This time of year, parents often ask whether their child should start swimming lessons. And for good reason. Drowning is a leading cause of death among babies and children up to age 18. And for every one of these tragic drownings, 7 to 8 non-fatal drownings require emergency medical care
So, is your toddler ready to splash into swim class? Here’s what board-certified pediatrician Dr. Nkem Nnaeto of Universal Pediatrics, Inc., tells parents at her East Orange, NJ., practice.
Formal swim lessons aren't recommended for babies under one year old. Babies can participate in water play classes with their parents, but they don't have the coordination or strength to lift their heads out of the water to breathe. These infant classes are great for water acclimation, but they don't prevent drowning.
Most children are ready for formal swim lessons by their fourth birthday. By age four, most can learn basic water-survival skills like floating, treading water, and finding an exit. If your child shows interest and physical readiness earlier, you can start swim lessons between the ages of one and three. Younger toddlers can learn to roll onto their backs and float, which is a key survival skill.
Beyond age, assess your child’s physical coordination, emotional maturity, and comfort level around water. Every child is different, and some kids feel terrified of the pool while others jump right in.
Consider these factors before enrolling your child in a swim program:
If your child isn't ready, don't force them into the water. Forcing lessons can create a lifelong fear of swimming. Talk with Dr. Nnaeto to see if your child’s physical development matches the demands of a structured swim class.
When looking for a swim class, check the qualifications of the instructors and the safety of the facility. A good program focuses on water-survival skills before teaching advanced swimming strokes. Instructors should hold certification from a recognized organization, such as the American Red Cross.
Ensure the class maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio so your child receives constant supervision. The pool area must have lifeguards on duty during the lessons. Parents should always stay close by and watch their children, even when a professional instructor is leading the class. Swim lessons don't make a child drown-proof, so constant adult supervision remains necessary.
For more information about your child’s swim lesson readiness and all of your child’s healthcare needs, book a consultation with Dr. Nnaeto at Universal Pediatrics, Inc. Call the office at 973-674-0036 or use the online booking tool.
