Swimming lessons are undoubtedly beneficial for children. Not only do swimming lessons develop essential skills that can save their life and the lives of others, but learning to swim can also build a strong foundation for healthy development and lifestyle.
So, when should your child start swimming lessons?
Swimming lessons begin for children as young as six months old, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best age to start. In this article, we provide guidance around swimming lessons for children and when your child should actually begin swimming lessons.
When should your child start swimming lessons?
While there is no “best” age, it’s widely accepted that children who start swimming lessons at the age of four are able to get the most out of the lessons. At four years old, children can effectively begin to master water confidence and basic water skills, whether they are new to swimming or have been swimming since infancy.
In saying this, it’s never too early or too late to enrol your child in swimming lessons – children will learn invaluable and essential skills at a quality swimming school, regardless of their age.
When determining when to start your child in swimming lessons, consider their maturity level, readiness to learn, and your availability to guide them through the beginning of their swimming journey.
The difference between baby and child swimming lessons
Baby and toddler swimming lessons are designed for children aged 6 months to 3 years. Parents are typically involved in these swimming lessons, where they also learn essential skills, such as water safety. Parents stay with their babies throughout the swimming lessons and help guide them through the basics of water play, such as floating, kicking, and using their arms and legs in the water.
Child swimming lessons are catered for children aged 4 years and above. Children can be taught in groups or in private lessons, where they learn swimming techniques, strokes, and water safety skills to keep themselves safe in the water. Generally, parents aren’t as involved in their children’s swimming lessons and typically do not get in the water with them.
The benefits of starting swimming lessons young
Water safety
Learning water safety skills at a young age will embed life-saving knowledge into children and reduce the risk of accidents and drowning. Water safety encompasses the skills necessary for entering and exiting a swimming pool safely, maintaining safety around bodies of water, treading water effectively, mastering various swimming strokes, and recognising safe water conditions. As it’s possible to drown in any source of water, such as swimming pools, baths, spas, dams, rivers, creeks, and lakes, it’s essential to have some degree of water safety skills to react quickly to an emergency or avoid dangerous situations.
Foundation for a healthy development
Swimming not only teaches children vital life skills but also builds a strong foundation for healthy development. Swimming engages and strengthens a range of functional muscles in the body, including the legs, core, back, arms, and chest, while also increasing blood flow to enhance lung capacity and overall fitness.
Socialising
Swimming lessons offer a social environment where children can work with peers of a similar age and skill level to develop their swimming abilities. When kids share interests with others, it makes it easier for them to make friends and expand their social circle. Having friends in swimming lessons also keeps children motivated to attend classes, helping them continue their education and development in a fun and engaging way.
Lead to other interests
Not only does swimming provide children with a strong foundation in water safety knowledge, swimming skills, and health development, but it also gives kids the confidence to pursue new things. With a base of fitness and strength, children will feel more comfortable trying their hand at other interests, such as taking their swimming at a professional level, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and snorkelling.
Stay consistent
Regardless of your child’s age when they start swimming lessons, the key is to stay consistent. When you sign your child up for swimming lessons, it’s essential to stick with it in the long term so your child has the opportunity to develop the water skills and swimming techniques to keep them safe in the water. Every child develops at a different age, so your child may be progressing more slowly than others – but this is ok, they are still taking in and learning from everything around them.
Steady Swim School is Singapore’s leading swim school, providing swimming lessons for children as young as 6 months old through to 10 years old. Our swim coaches are fully qualified and committed to helping children build confidence in the water, learn essential swimming skills, and foster a safe and supportive environment in which children can grow. If you want to enrol your child in swimming lessons, contact the Steady Swim School team to discuss the best lesson options for your child.