what age will be better for learning swimming for children?

Answer 1

It is recommended that children are not younger than six months of age, for formal swimming lessons.

The earlier the children are exposed to swimming the better, this maybe as simple as just taking your child to the pool and playing in the water.

Lessons for a baby of six months and up to 24 months are about water familiarisation, with activities that encourage the child to play and feel the sensation of water, these games are singing action songs, such as wheels on the bus, ring a ring o roses, and activities such walking in shallow area's, splashing with hands and feet, wetting their face, and submerging and safety is always a factor (more for parents) who must be in the pool with their child, and hopefully are confident and have not fear of water, as this can be filtered through to the child.

For the older child it is about building the skills already learnt, by playing games, that challenge the child, such as going under water to pick an object off the floor. Safe entries and exits are also important, such as how to paddle to safety (side of pool). The child has developed better gross motor skills, and are able to try to paddle by themselves, parents are encouraged to be in the pool as a support.

As the child develops skills of being able to stand and paddle/swim by themselves then parents are able to sit on side of pool to watch.

I have taught swimming for many years and love teaching the pre school aquatic classes, the children are like little sponges and suck up the lessons, even though the lessons are often repetitive, with challenges added, especially for 6-24 month old bracket.

Sadly I also teach older children who have not been given the opportunity to have lessons at an earlier age, and spent a fair bit of time trying to have the child to relax, reassure them that I was not going to let them go, and that is was OK to put their face into the water etc.

The first few weeks is trying to gain the trust of the child, I never push a child to do anything they do not wish to do, but will encourage them to try each lesson, until they have done as asked, it helps that I will do the activity too, so they see its not scary.

Answer 2

Both my children were born in the water and have always been strong swimmers. My daughter has a scholarship at Penn. St.
The younger a child learns to swim, the safer they are. Now when you have a water bug, start lessons ASAP, but please never push a child into a sport they aren't into.
It's fun just to swim, and have a splash fight or [pool volleyball, then an unhappy kid.
Son plays football, won State Champs, isn't a career, but a hell of a memory for the rest of his life.
Let them enjoy and if they do, help them thrive at what they love and realistically will be good at.
Never lie and tell your kid they are great all the time though, life isn't all peaches and cream. This new, everyone is a winner, is bull. We all played dodge ball, and lived through it.
Enjoy yours, mine are 22, and 19, love mine but wish they were little again sometimes...then I get sober, LMOA!

Answer 3

I think four is a good age to get started. I don't think it's too young. In fact, in my area they offer classes for even younger children (with parents). Your son may not learn to actually swim right away, but getting used to the water and learning the basics at this age can help him to be safe when it comes to the water. If your lifeguard won't teach him I'd look around for other places that offer classes. Is there a YMCA or rec. center of some sort near by? Good luck finding something.

Answer 4

2-3 years

Answer 5

I agree with Manda... Yeah, I personally believe that the younger, the better. It's good for them, & good for you: whenever they go on a trip with school at locations near water, or visit the neighbor's house with a pool, you won't have to worry about them.. Also, swimming will wear them out.. :)

My mother, especially, told me that the younger, the better, especially when you have female children.. If you don't start making them take swimming lessons until they start developing (some girls develop early), sometimes it could be problematic dealing with who knows...maybe the young, swimming, male instructor, or other male students (some girls become really self-conscious when they start developing), etc.

I'm not trying to be judgemental or paranoid or anything here, but I thought I'd share these...

Answer 6

Well, on my swim team we have swimmers as young as 5 swimming with us. I think that an age between 5 and 8 is a good bet. Children learn the best when they are younger, but you have to look at the childs capability level physicaly. You can judge when you think the child is physicaly ready to compete with water...

Answer 7

learning has no age but to learn something earlier is beneficial for swimming it be at the age of 4 or 5

Answer 8

8 years

Answer 9

Minimum 3 years complete. The should be under supervision of elders at least for 5 yeas that means up to the age of 8.

Answer 10

Many parents start their children in swim class while infants. You want to get them into the classes before they develop a fear of water over their heads or in their faces. Check with your local YMCA for info on childrens swim classes.