Swim Lessons, when to start and what’s the difference…
Imagine sitting on the edge of the pool enjoying a refreshing adult beverage while watching your kiddos swim and play safely close by. Sounds like a dream? Swim lessons and raising proficient swimmers will get you one step closer to this luxurious moment.
When do you start? What’s the best kind of swim lesson? Is it too late?
First off, it is never too late to start swim lessons! Repeat, it is never too late to start swim lessons. Though swim lessons and basic swim competency does not “drown-proof” your children, it does provide an extra layer of drowning prevention. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports the research and evidence is there to support that swim lessons benefit children over the age of 1 in drowning prevention.
Here are some common types of swim lessons available:
Public pools will often have swim lessons available in the summers through the Red Cross.
Group swim lessons
one on one swim lessons
ISR or Infant Swimming Resource
Swim lessons at home
I have personally tried many of these on the list with my children. The key is consistency and finding high quality swim lessons. The best lessons will teach: self rescue, finding the wall, back float, falling in, falling in in clothes, swimming without goggles. Think worst case scenario. Your child slips into the pool not during swim time fully clothed and shocked 😳 That’s the crucial point where this exposure to self rescue is crucial. Swim lessons should be fun! They may not like it at first (think tears, having to be pulled off you, ie. Preschool drop off) but the independence that comes from learning to swim brings a lot of joy.
There are many different options out there so explore what is available in your community. Ask around for referrals and recommendations. And of course no one knows your children better than you. Each child has individual needs and what type of lesson and when to start is always at your discretion as a parent!
Share your favorite swim schools or coaches below! Tag your friends so they get these resources too! Let’s get ready for swim season! And if you are a swim instructor or swim school, we would love to here from you too!