When Should Kids Learn to Swim?

You Are Here: Pools Safety Articles When Should Kids Learn to Swim?

Along with constant adult supervision, the best way to prevent childhood drowning is to teach kids to swim. The National Safety Council suggests enrolling children in swimming lessons as early as age three, and the American Red Cross says most children are ready by age four, although it offers foundation-laying classes for babies as young as six months in its Parent and Child Aquatics Program. However, each child's readiness for lessons depends on physical development, previous experiences, home environment, comfort level, and parental attitudes. Swimming classes should be taught by a qualified instructor, typically certified by the American Red Cross or YMCA. For some preschoolers--especially those who are afraid or haven’t been in the water before--having a parent with them may be helpful, at least for the first several lessons. For these children, consider enrolling in a parent and child course, as opposed to child-only lessons. Lessons are great, but year-round practice, regular exposure to water, and positive encouragement are essential for developing a child's comfort and skill level in water.