If you own a pool, chances are you want to start your child with swimming lessons as soon as possible. While you may think you should start them when your child begins walking, or perhaps sooner, the experts advise you to wait.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, age four is generally a good time to start swim instruction lessons. At this age they can learn how to float and how to tread water. They can also follow directions. The problem with starting swim lessons sooner is that your child may not be able to carry out those tasks and while they may be able to learn water survival skills, they may not be able to actually learn swimming techniques.
What Should I Look for in Swimming Lessons?
- Any swim lessons should be taught by an instructor who is First Aid and CPR certified. Be sure to ask before paying for any lessons.
- You also want to make sure that your child is not only learning how to swim, but also safety habits in and near water. This includes no dangerous games, no pushing, and no running around a pool.
- Swim instructors should also teach children what to do if they find themselves in trouble in the water. Many kids will panic out of instinct. Instead, they need to know what to do to get themselves out of trouble. These skills can mean the difference between life and death.
Just because your child knows how to swim, doesn’t mean you don’t have to watch them. Children should also be supervised while in the pool because accidents can happen at any time.
Another important thing to remember is that although swimming lessons can help children avoid tragedy, it does not make them immu1r1ne to drowning. Children who know how to swim can also sadly drown. That’s why it’s important to always have safety precautions around your pool, such as a pool fence and sturdy lock. A pool fence can keep children away from the pool when there is no adult around to watch them.
For more information on pool fences and safety locks, call Protect-A-Child Pool Fence today at 772-398-3400. We can help you decide which type of pool fence is best for you so that you get the maximum protection possible to avoid a drowning tragedy.
