The Importance of Swimming Lessons
The Facts:
- Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages one to four.
- A majority of toddler drownings occur in bathtubs, buckets and toilets.
- 88% of drowning victims were under some form of supervision at the time of the incident.
- 75% of drowning victims were missing for less than five minutes.
- Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% for children ages one to four.
The Importance of Swim Lessons:
A wonderful place to have fun and cool off during the warm summer months is at a swimming pool. A lot of really fun memories can be made there.
But the pool can also be a scary place if you do not know how to swim or are not comfortable in the water. Always remember, even strong swimmers can drown.
I cannot stress enough how important formal swimming lessons are, they save lives!
Every single child should take swimming lessons starting as early as possible because every single child will be exposed to water. It might only be in the bath tub, but a baby can drown in only a few inches of water.
A parent might think they will always be there to keep an eye on their children, but you simply never know.
My mama mantra is that it is better to be safe than sorry. Swimming lessons save lives, what more reason do you need than that?
When Can My Child Begin Swimming Lessons?:
Infants can begin formal swimming lessons as young as four months and can quickly learn the ability of knowing how and when to hold their breath.
Of course it can also depend on when your baby is born because it is not always easy to find an indoor pool in your area that provides lessons during the colder months.
When summer is approaching, I would highly recommend signing them up as soon as possible, no matter their age. It is always best to start early, but it is never too late to start either.
Where Can I Find Swimming Lessons In My Area?
If you have a local YMCA, you can contact them about swimming lessons.
You can also do a search on the internet for swimming lessons in your area.
If you have a public pool nearby, then you can contact them to see if they offer lessons.
Another great source is any mama groups you may be a part of, ask them where their children have had lessons.
If formal swimming lessons are not in your budget then I suggest reading my article about performing them yourself. If you cannot do lessons with a certified instructor, then doing them yourself is a good start.
Resources:
- www.SOSswim.com
- www.infantswim.com
Guest Mama Lindsay is married to the love of her life, TJ, and they have a beautiful daughter named Danica (03/11). She grew up in San Antonio, Texas and was a competitive swimmer for 14 years. She was even one of the top swimmers in Texas for a few of those years. Shoulder problems forced her to quit in high school, but she still loves to swim laps when she can find the time. Her family loves spending time together outdoors. They enjoy going to the lake, playing on their ATV, and going camping.
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Added by Guest Mama on July 17, 2012.Saved under real life
Tags: swimming lessons, water safety
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Melinda Keenan
Such great information can save a child’s life. Nothing is more important!!! Drowning is known as “the silent death” since you cannot call for help underwater.
Melinda Keenan
Such great information can save a child’s life. Nothing can be more important!! Drowning is known as “the silent death” because you cannot scream for help underwater!!
Bonnie
Lindsay, such a great article! As I can look back and remember a family vacation when our children were young and passing by the pool at the Holiday Inn and seeing a little girl struggling in the deep end of the pool (not knowing how to swim or save herself)if it wasn’t for Rogers quick respond and pulling her out, that little one may have not made it.
Also I was a young child of 10 yr. and almost drown and know the fear, this is a great thing that you are doing for these children and moms. Keep up the good work.
Jennifer
Thank you for such an awesome article. I am putting my children in lessons as soon as possible so that I don’t ever have to worry at the pool.
Danica
Such a great article! Thanks for sharing. it is so important to start this at a young age before an accident can happen.