Swimming: when’s the best time to start?

One of the questions we get asked the most is: “When is the best time to teach my child to swim?”. And, while it’s never too late to learn, our answer is always: “The sooner the better!”.

After all, not only does swimming have proven health benefits – both physically and emotionally – but knowing how to swim could save your life.

Born to swim

Understandably, many first-time mums and dads are nervous at the thought of popping their brand new baby in the water – I know I was back when I was a new parent. Being honest, even popping down to the shops seemed a little daunting at the time! Swimming, though, provides a phenomenal learning experience for young babies and, as you’ll often hear people say, babies are born ‘ready to swim’.

While your newborn baby won’t be doggy-paddling across the pool anytime soon, the premise that babies are born ready to swim comes from the fact that, in the first six months or so, babies will instinctively hold their breath when submerged. You will also notice that they move their arms and legs in a swimming-style movement when placed on their tummy in the water.

That said, a trip to the swimming pool isn’t normally high on a brand new mum’s list of priorities, so many parents will choose to wait until their child is a little older (a couple of months or so) before taking the plunge. It’s also important to remember that, if you’re a new mum, medical advice says that you shouldn’t go swimming in the first six weeks after giving birth to reduce the risk of infection. Of course, that doesn’t stop somebody else taking your little one for their first few paddles, and we welcome many dads in our baby swimming lessons, especially on the weekend!

So, what can you expect in your child’s swimming lessons?

Between the ages of 0 and 18 months, swimming lessons are all about encouraging your baby to feel safe and supported in the water, and – for us parents – just enjoying that time together with no distractions. I still remember that lovely smile I got from my little girl the first time I took her swimming – and watching her enjoy moving through the water was a memory I will never forget.

You can expect your child to start picking up basic water safety skills as a baby, and these will develop as they move through their learn to swim journey. As your baby becomes a toddler, their hand-eye coordination and motor skills are stronger, and they are able (though, if anything like mine, not always willing!) to follow simple instructions. You’ll find that the pace and structure of lessons starts to change, and toys and ‘make believe’ games are often used to encourage learning. While the focus is still on water confidence and safety, it’s as toddlers that many swim schools will start helping your child make that transition from supported swimming to taking their first paddles on their own.

Once they turn three, many children are ready to go into the water by themselves – with an instructor or two, of course, but without their grown ups. It’s here that they start to learn to swim independently, and will begin to master the various swimming strokes and techniques. Of course, if they have swam already, and already have the water confidence foundation, they will often learn more quickly at this age (though it is always worth remembering that every child is different and will learn at their own pace).

The ‘real’ swimming techniques come into play once children reach school age. It’s here that they will really start working through their various distance and stage awards, and where they will perfect their swimming techniques.

Have I left it too late?

I don’t know, but ‘mum guilt’ is very real in our house, and we often hear parents say that they feel guilty that their children haven’t learnt to swim sooner. Our advice here is simple: Don’t! There is no right or wrong time to learn to swim – there’s just the right time, for you and your child. Whenever they start their learn to swim journey, and no matter how old they are, it’s important to remember that no two children are the same, and they will all learn at different speeds, and in different ways. When you’re looking for swimming classes for your little ones, look for classes that take into account how children learn as they grow, and can also support children with different learning styles – it makes a huge difference!

Of course, if you need any help finding a class that suits your child’s needs – and your busy schedule – give us a shout, and we would be happy to help!