2006-10-12 01:20:03 · 21 answers · asked by vijayabhaskar b 1 in Sports ➔ Swimming & Diving
You should get your children in the water as soon as possible. My three year old is a great swimmer, and I've got my eighteen month old enrolled in swimming right now. They both love the water and the pool.
Itis critical that children learn to swim as early as possible for safety reasons. In addition, the sooner you expose them to the water, the more they will like it.
I have several friends with children who never exposed their kids to the water until the kids were much older (the kids are five, eight and ten). They are now having lots of problems getting the kids to learn to swim (some of the kids are scared of the water).
Like many decisions you make for your child, there is no textbook answer. You know your child best and you must decide when your child is mature enough to learn to swim.
However, while your child is developing his or her likes and dislikes, make sure that you expose your child to water in a safe, fun manner. Parent and child classes include registrants as young as six months. These classes are not designed to teach your child how to swim or even to survive in the water on their own. They do give you information and techniques to help lay the foundation for future swimming lessons. Just as importantly, they are an enjoyable time for you and your child to bond while in the safe constraints of a local facility.
Remember that while your child is still learning to swim that you must be within arm's reach of him or her at ALL times.
2006-10-12 01:31:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think between 6-8 is a fine age to start.
Nowadays a lot of children start at an age of 4, but I start swimming when I was 8. I think it is very nice for children to play in the water, but don't ask to much from them. So, you can 'teach' children to swim, but if you want to have some prestations, wait a bit longer
2006-10-13 09:36:04 · answer #2 · answered by frenzie-ann 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Earlier the better... there certainly some techniques that will make the experience more enjoyable and "productive" but small kids generally love the water and have not yet picked up on anyone's phobias so there has usually been no transfer of fear from peers or older kids (and adults). This is both an advantage and disadvantage... small people and toddlers need constant supervision around water... but you already know that.
There is an awesome book about teaching kids water skills and I think it's called Infaquatics: Teaching Kids to Swim... forget the author... there are also tutorials online... a google search will turn them up.
The two things that we found most effective were: warm water and lots of water toys.... and vocal encouragement... that's three things isn't it!
Also, teaching a kid to love the water and to respect it are a great way for you to bond with a child... and to improve your skills! Your kids will remember having fun with you at a very early stage in their lives when they are adults... my oldest son (a generation Xer) can recall swimming lessons with me from when he was 3....
2006-10-12 01:22:40 · answer #3 · answered by decodoppler 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think once they have learn the word obedience at 5 or 6yrs old.
never force them to swim just because you wanted them to, proper motivation is the first key that parents should introduce the kids why they must learn how to swim and of course the importance of this sport. Bring them to tournaments or kiddie triathlon for example, this will surely give them willingness and interest to undergo formal pool class. Please find a good instructor. How young the child by the way? is it yours?
2006-10-12 01:56:26 · answer #4 · answered by bunny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Earlier the better, so they don't have water fear. But at the age of four, the child can start learning swimming strokes. As the chid's body is more flexible, it is easy for them to learn fast as compared to adults.
2006-10-12 14:47:20 · answer #5 · answered by deepjyotisidd 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My grandma started teaching me when I was a year old. I was swimming all over the pool by the time I was three. But if you don't have a pool to take your kids to to get them comfortable with the water, enroll them in swimming lessons as young as possible(otherwise they get older, smarter, and therefore more afraid of the water). I think they take kids as young as four.
2006-10-12 01:31:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went to swim lessons at 3
2006-10-12 16:25:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anthony 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son has been getting in the pool with me (the two being held by using me or Daddy or in a toddler drift with us in the water with him) when you consider that he became approximately 9 months old. He acts like he's swimming (he's 13 months old now) yet of course we don't permit him bypass. He kicks his legs to make his drift pass around whilst he's in it although. The pool here provides instructions for babies a million 365 days and up.
2016-10-16 02:46:26 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At the pool where I work they have classes for toddlers. They arent taught how to swim but the class is to get them use to the water. After that around 4, they move up to the pre beginniner classes where they are taught basic strokes.
2006-10-12 02:54:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When they are babies. That way they will be less afraid of the water. I have seen babies as young as 9 months old learning to swim.
2006-10-12 01:22:39 · answer #10 · answered by mayfieldmonster9 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋