How to Choose Swimming Lessons for Kids and Babies

Ensuring your child is comfortable in the water is important as the summer approaches. Here’s how to evaluate swim classes for kids to choose the right one for your child.

By NYMetroParents Staff April 12, 2021

The countdown to summer is on! After a year of virtual learning, parents are searching for safe, fun activities to enroll their children in. With staycations on the rise this year, beaches, pools, waterparks, and camps will likely be the top picks for parents during the hot summer months. These options are wonderful, but is your child water safe? Do they feel comfortable around and know how to act in water? If not, it’s a good idea to enroll your child in swim lessons.

Why Swim Lessons for Babies and Kids are Important

Over the last year pool installations have risen, making it apparent that more families are choosing to stay home and enjoy their new backyard oasis. But without adequate swim training, a new pool poses severe danger. Sadly, nearly 10 people die from unintentional drowning every day, and of these deaths due to drowning, two are children ages 14 or younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, drowning still ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury and death in the United States.

Fortunately, there are ways to keep kids safer in the water. The National Institute of Health reports that learning to swim can help reduce a child’s risk of drowning by up to 88 percent. With swim programs available to children as young as 2 months old, your child can have a positive experience in the water as early as possible, which sets the stage for confidence and comfort in the water when it is time to learn more challenging water safety skills.

Some schools, like Saf-T-Swim, offer programs that include a 1-on-1 instruction approach with lessons taught by experienced teachers who provide personalized attention to every child. Early survival swimming lessons for babies help teach floating, breath control, and kicking, which not only helps with swimming but also has other benefits. Children who get their feet wet early on tend to have less fear and fewer insecurities around water. Infant and toddler swimming lessons can also improve motor development, accelerate cognitive development, strengthen social confidence, and deepen the parent-child bond.

How to Evaluate Swimming Programs for Kids

When it comes to choosing the right swimming class and evaluating a summer camp’s aquatic activities, the questions parents should ask are similar. Below are questions to ask a camp or swim lesson director when researching programs and the various water activities they offer.

1. Does your camp/swim program provide a swim proficiency test?

Every child has a different level of swim and water skills, so it’s important to understand how a program ranks a swimmer’s ability. This will ensure each child is placed in the correct environment that is both safe and fun.

2. How is the swim area divided up?

Changes in swim areas should be indicated. For example, shallow and deep ends should be roped offer so there is a clear visual of where the different depth begins. Plus, swimmers should be grouped together with others who have comparable swim skills.

3. How deep is the water?

Pools, lakes, and beaches all vary in depth and size. Although some remain shallow throughout, it is imperative to note where deeper areas are and that they are clearly marked.

4. Is there a designated water watcher?

Children should NEVER be left unattended when they’re in the water, not even for a minute! Inquire about who will be watching swimmers during aquatic activities and if a lifeguard will be present—and make sure they’re CPR and first aid-trained.

5. What type of water activities does the camp offer?

Aside from traditional swimming, does the camp offer other activities such as boating or sailing? Ensure your child is safe by inquiring if your camp provides Coast Guard-certified life jackets before they take way.

With lots of summer fun on the horizon, help your child become confident in and near water so they can instinctively react to a water emergency or situation in a positive way. Keep your child safe while doing what they love best: having fun!

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How to Choose Swimming Lessons for Kids and Babies

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How to Evaluate Swimming Programs for Kids