Teaching Your Child to Swim

Fun and safe ways to teach your child to love water exercise

Splash and learn—Srivinas Rajaboina (foreground) and Teresa Kromis (upper left), both of Allentown, teach their children, Nishka and Caitlin, all about swimming and water safety at Rodale Aquatic Center’s parent-child swim class.

Today’s parents have moved beyond the old “toss ’em in and let ’em figure it out” philosophy of swimming instruction—but exactly how should you introduce your little one to the water? Swimming is a potentially lifesaving skill, and also a terrific form of exercise that can build self-esteem and reduce the risk for childhood obesity. There are fun, safe techniques for teaching it early, says pediatric nurse practitioner Gail Brown, C.R.N.P., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. Here’s what she and Marleah Kares, aquatic director at the Bethlehem YMCA, suggest:

Children age 6 months and over—Try a parent-child swim class. You and your child will sing songs, play games and develop important skills like how to back-float. As a side benefit, the water exercise often tires babies, so they sleep better. Look for a heated pool (at least 82 degrees) and make sure the instructor is certified to teach baby classes.

You also can try the following activities on your own. Remember to use an approved life vest, and never leave your child unattended in the tub or pool.

In the bathtub—Blow bubbles. It gets babies comfortable putting their face in the water.

In a backyard or public pool—While holding your child in the water, place a floating tub toy just out of her grasp and encourage her to reach for it. Sing silly songs together, like “If you’re happy and you know it, splash your hands.”

Children age 4 and over—Your child will develop the motor and psychological skills needed to learn strokes around age 4. Once he can follow directions consistently and wait his turn, he’s ready for swim lessons. Choose a class with no more than six children per instructor.

What about children who fear the water? “Starting at age 2, children begin to develop irrational fears,” Brown says. “A child who loved the water at age 1 may become terrified of it at 2 or 3.” Never push fearful children beyond their comfort zone, she says. If needed, take a break for a few months. Chances are, the fear will resolve on its own.

Whatever your child’s age or ability, celebrate every swimming achievement and resist comparing your child to others. “Kids sense their parents’ anxiety,” Kares says. “If you’re not enjoying the process, they probably won’t either. Try to relax and have fun.”

Want to Know More about keeping your child safe in the water? Call 610-402-CARE or click here.

Published from Healthy You Magazine, July-August 2007

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