The Best Age to Start Swimming Lessons: Here’s Our Take

Swimming is a fun pastime, but more importantly, an essential life skill that can save lives! When it comes to learning swimming skills, many parents wonder about the ideal age to introduce their children to formal swimming lessons.

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, experts agree that starting swimming lessons at a young age is highly beneficial. You should consider your own circumstances and how often your child is exposed to the water. This will help you determine when and what type of lessons to choose. Although water emergencies can happen at any time—especially if you live or vacation around the water—if your child is exposed more frequently, you will want to get them started in lessons as early as possible!

Four Months to 24 Months Old

For infants and young toddlers, you can start swimming lessons as early as four months old! The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies start formal swim lessons at the age of one to help prevent drowning emergencies. Of course, the only safe way for babies to learn to swim is with one-on-one attention from a responsible adult.

Babies have a natural affinity for water, which means they are developmentally ready and will usually adapt more readily to the water at a younger age. Parent-tot swimming classes provide a fantastic opportunity for bonding while teaching infants basic water-safety skills.

The repetition of weekly classes is also helpful for your baby’s development. Infants and young children thrive on routine and predictability, and repetition provides a sense of familiarity and security for them.

18 Months to Six Years Old

This is the best time for children to start private, learn-to-swim lessons. Begin with classes designed to teach water safety and survival skills. Your child should learn how to hold their breath, float independently, and kick while in a prone position. Once these skills are mastered, they can put them together to swim-float-swim.

These essential skills allow your child to self-rescue if they unexpectedly find themselves in an emergency. Enrolling them in a swimming program drastically reduces the risk of drowning.

Children are not always initially excited about the hard work of swimming lessons; however, once they persist, they will gain confidence in themselves and their ability to learn new and challenging things!

Four Years to Ten Years Old

By this age, most children have the cognitive and physical skills they need to learn more advanced swimming techniques. After mastering basic safety skills, they will easily learn the four basic strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.

Students can also learn flip-turn techniques and prepare to swim competitively. Once comfortable with foundational skills, they can join a group class, where they will practice social swimming and following instructions in an aquatic environment.

The biggest factor in determining the age for your child to start swim lessons should be water safety. Although there are many benefits to early swimming lessons, water safety is the most important factor. Additionally, you should consider each child and your family’s unique circumstances to determine what is right for you.

Additionally, it is vital to choose certified swimming instructors and facilities that prioritize safety and maintain a positive learning environment. Most importantly, it is never too late to get started. Knowing how to swim and feeling comfortable in the water is a lifelong skill! As your children become safer and more comfortable in the water, you will enjoy playing and vacationing together even more!

If you live in Davis County, Salt Lake County, or Utah County, check out our premium swimming lessons for kids! We offer parent-tot, learn-to-swim private lessons, and group lessons. Our facilities are located in Layton, Holladay, and Pleasant Grove. We offer year-round swimming lessons in a warm and inviting environment.