Swimming Lessons for Toddlers and Older Kids: Precautions to Take

Often, young parents want their babies to start learning things at a young age so that they adjust to them as they grow older. But could swimming be one of them? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies about six months of age can be taken into the pool.

Of course, this doesn’t mean they undergo formal baby swimming lessons Singapore that older kids do, but as a parent, you can take them into the pool so that they are near other babies and adjust to the water. With your baby in the water, you will have to be very near him to give him the necessary support.

Also, care should be taken to see that he doesn’t swallow the water and that the temperature of the water is bearable for him.

Safety Tips:

Concentrate on water games

If your baby gets upset by the water, get out of the pool immediately.

Is Your Toddler Ready for the Pool?

All toddlers needn’t take swimming instruction, neither is it necessary for all toddlers, according to the AAP. However, toddlers between the ages of one year and four who display signs of liking to be surrounded by water and have already been exposed to it may be ready to learn swimming.

According to studies, children about four years of age develop the required self-propelled aquatic skills and confidence of being in the water. When they display these skills, they are ready to take toddler swimming lessons under parental guidance and supervision. However, there’s no set age for kids to start learning to swim because each child will be ready in his or her own time.

Safety Tips: Don’t let him go underwater or he may drink too much of the water

Don’t let him out of your arms at any time.

If Your Child is Ready to Swim

If he is, look for a program that will teach him just the fundamental moves, such as floating or doggie paddle. Classes that have just a handful of kids would be ideal. The swimming instructor should be certified in First Aid, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and water safety. And the instructor or parent should always be close to the child, especially if the little one is new to swimming.

Older Kids Five Years and Above

Children five years and above, who have some experience of being in the water, can be enrolled in swimming lessons for kids, both with parents and without. Ideally, it should concentrate on paddling, kicking in the water and safety in the pool. Each class should not be longer than 30 minutes and should extend to about eight to 10 weeks so that kids have sufficient time to build their swimming skills.

Safety Tips:

Equip him with floaties, inner tubes, water wings and life vest.

Don’t hold your child at this stage but be close by in case he needs you.

Conclusion

Once you’ve weighed the pros and cons of teaching your toddler or kid to swim and take the right precautions, you can take a dip with him and enjoy splashing about and kicking in the water. Nothing can be more relaxing and rewarding than spending a little time with your child while he learns a new and important skill.

Myself Donny Marks belongs to the Singapore, Here I would like to share information about the benefits of swimming lessons for all age group of members.