Survival Swim Lessons For Your Tot

According to the Center for Disease Control, more children in the United States between the ages of 1-4 die from drowning than any other cause of death, except birth defects. 

When all we want to do is keep our babies safe, statistics like that definitely make us want to seek higher ground. But as responsible parents or caregivers, it’s important for us to be proactive. That’s where swim lessons come in. What’s the best age for our little ones to start learning to swim? According to many experts: RIGHT NOW.

Have you ever blown a little puff of air into an infant’s face? Instinctively the baby will hold its breath. That is an example of the mammalian diving reflex, a protective response to avoid drowning. When babies under 1 year take swimming lessons, they are taught to roll onto their back to float, rest and breathe until help arrives. Watch the videos on this infant swimming resource website to see this in action!

Teaching children early in their lives to have a healthy respect for the water is important, and ongoing lessons during childhood can help them gain confidence and independence. But it’s still important to have adults around in case of emergencies. Many drowning incidents for children under the age of 6 take place in bathtubs, toilets and even buckets. 

We take on many jobs as adults, but one of the most satisfying is raising children who grow up with the skills and information they need to make it on their own. If your youngsters aren’t already enrolled in swim classes, invest in their future, and sign them up.