When Should You Start Swimming Lessons for Your Child?
Teaching your child to swim at an early age helps foster fun, provides a means for exercise, and teaches water safety. According to the Red Cross, nearly 61% of all children and half of all teens lack basic swim safety skills. One of the main questions parents have is when their child should begin taking swimming lessons at a safe kids’ camp or local pool.
Average Age for Beginning Kids’ Swimming Lessons
Studies show that the best age to begin swimming lessons is between 1 and 4 years old. Some programs will begin teaching kids as young as 6 months old. Many of the younger programs emphasize water safety, while older children learn skills like floating and swimming to a location.
Another popular option is parent and child lessons, where the child and parents both participate. In these types of programs, parents learn important water safety skills to help further a child’s water experiences and protect them. These programs help parents and children gain the confidence they need to enjoy the summer sun.
The good news is that even if your child is over the age of 4, they can still learn to swim any time. In fact, many adults learn to swim even as old as retirement age and beyond. It is never too late to learn!
How to Introduce Your Child to Swimming
The earlier you begin introducing your child to the concept of swimming, the easier it will be. As the child gets older, they may develop a fear of the water, but this can be easily overcome, especially in younger kids. It is important to make the process fun. It is also important to let them see other kids the same age having fun in the water.
If your child is fearful, it is essential not to force it. These are some of the best reasons why enrolling them in a summer day camp with swimming lessons provides an excellent environment for learning. Professional swim instructors have techniques for dealing with children who are afraid of the water and can make your child feel at ease. They also have many techniques that you might not be aware of to help your child learn to become proficient for their age level.
Are Swimming Lessons for Toddlers Best?
One of the advantages of enrolling your child in swimming lessons before the age of 4 is that they learn to acclimate to the water early. The most significant effect early swimming lessons has is that children learn not to fear swimming as the lessons become more challenging. It also has several other advantages.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the top accidental cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4 aside from birth defects. It is the second leading cause of death after motor vehicle crashes for children between the ages of 1 and 14. This is perhaps one of the best reasons to enroll your child in swimming lessons at a safe kids’ camp. They will know what to do to stay safe if they should happen to accidentally fall into the water.
Swimming also helps establish the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. It is good for lung and muscle development, and it also builds endurance and flexibility. Children can practice vital social skills when playing with other kids in the water. Kids often enjoy swimming so much that they may want to spend less time in front of screens and more time in the water.
What Happens at Swimming Lessons for Kids?
Children’s swimming lessons begin with building trust. One thing you can do to help is to talk about swimming positively and with excitement. Try to build anticipation about the lessons. A child who is engaged in the process of learning will know what to expect and be able to learn faster.
One thing you should not do is to try to drown-proof your child yourself. Skilled swimming instructors have much more developmentally appropriate alternatives that achieve the same goal without making your child fearful of the water. Another thing your child will learn in the early stages of the lessons is to listen to you and not enter the water without your permission.
Some basic skills your child will learn during the first lessons are floating on their back, kicking, and going underneath the water. After they learn the basics, they will then begin learning different strokes and how to move through the water. They will also start to build strength and stamina to swim longer distances.
Preparing for Safe Kids’ Camp Swimming Lessons
You can do a few things to help prepare your child for their first swimming lesson at day camp. First, check with the instructor and make sure that you have everything your child will need. The best thing you can do is to encourage your child to play in the water and have fun.
Even if your child is used to being away from home, swimming can be an intimidating skill to learn. It is a good idea to introduce your child to the instructor and allow them to become familiar with the pool and environment. You can also let them see some other kids enjoying the water and swimming. Remember to make it fun and try to alleviate some of their fears. Be aware that children are good at deciphering nonverbal cues, so make sure that you express confidence near the water.
How to Know When Your Child Is Ready for Swimming Lessons
Knowing when your child is ready for swimming lessons is a key factor to take into consideration. If they begin with baby or toddler classes, then they are probably ready to move up to the next step. If your child has not started swimming lessons this early, many developing children are typically ready by age 4.
Additionally, keep an eye out for these signs that your child is ready to try swimming lessons:
- Your child is interested in swimming and water.
- Your child can spend time away from you comfortably.
- They can pay attention to instructions for 30 minutes.
- The child can listen to and follow directions.
- The child sees you comfortable in the water.
- Your child enjoys playing in the water during bath time.
If your child has a learning disability or other physical impairment, then you should consult with your physician to determine any limitations and the right time to start. If you have any concerns, your physician should always be the first person to ask.
A summer day camp is an excellent place for your child to learn to swim in a safe environment. Chartwell Happy Day Camp offers swimming lessons and water safety lessons for children ages 8 and under. You can also request swimming lessons for your child over 8 if needed. All children will be swim tested by lifeguards to determine their skill level and which pool they are permitted into.
Chartwell Happy Day Camp is located in Marlton, NJ. You can contact us by phone at (856) 983-8827 or by email at chartwell@chartwellfun.com. Contact our staff at Chartwell Happy Day Camp to register your child for the many exciting programs we have to offer.