Question: Do swimming lessons for very young children help lessen the risk of drowning?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has long held that children under the age of 4 aren't considered "developmentally ready" for swimming lessons. While younger kids can still enjoy the water, the belief was that motor skill development and maturity weren't yet sufficient to truly master swimming skills needed to help promote water safety. That stance has now changed. So, are children ever too young for swimming lessens as a way to prevent drowning and promote water safety?
Answer: A growing number of swimming programs offer swimming lessons for infants and toddlers, and the AAP now agrees that swimming lessons can help to increase water safety awareness and prevent drowning. Most lessons for young children focus on water safety aspects, and basic skills such as jumping in deep water and being able to return safely to the side can be learned. Kids can also learn to float and to hold their breath under water as well.
The AAP stance has stressed, however, that lessons should be considered a part of a comprehensive water safety plan that includes a variety of childproofing precautions around a backyard pool and hot tub--or anywhere where water is accessible to a child. Remember that children can drown in as little as an inch or two of water, and tragedies such as drowning in bathtubs, outdoor fountains, and even cleaning buckets can be presented if caregivers remain vigilant in ensuring appropriate supervision and safety precautions.
While lessons can be successful in introducing a child to water and to learn basic water safety skills, constant practice and repetition are needed for a child to continue to progress in skills and be safe in the water. A two-week swim program once a year is not considered enough exposure to water safety for a young child to remember what to do.
The AAP stance has stressed, however, that lessons should be considered a part of a comprehensive water safety plan that includes a variety of childproofing precautions around a backyard pool and hot tub--or anywhere where water is accessible to a child. Remember that children can drown in as little as an inch or two of water, and tragedies such as drowning in bathtubs, outdoor fountains, and even cleaning buckets can be presented if caregivers remain vigilant in ensuring appropriate supervision and safety precautions.
While lessons can be successful in introducing a child to water and to learn basic water safety skills, constant practice and repetition are needed for a child to continue to progress in skills and be safe in the water. A two-week swim program once a year is not considered enough exposure to water safety for a young child to remember what to do.
Parents should:
- Choose a program that emphasizes safety above learning specific swim strokes for younger-aged children.
- Look for lessons that are taught in a small group setting and with a minimum amount of distractions.
- Practice new skills learned throughout the year as possible and not only during summer months.
- Find lessons that tailor programs to your age child. Lessons[/link] for a 6-year-old, for example, are structured much differently than they are for a 2-year-old.[/link]
- Maintain proper childproofing practices at home and make sure your child's proivder does the same. If your child stays with grandparents or with other people, especially if they have a backyard pool, make sure they have appropriate child safety features in place as well.
