Why Should My Child Learn to Swim?

Because learning to swim significantly reduces the risk of drowning! Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of unintentional injury or death for children under 14, with the highest rates among children ages 1-4.

Whether or not you plan to head to the pool, water is all around us - in rivers, lakes, drainage ditches, bathtubs, and even large puddles. By equipping your child with the lifesaving skill of swimming you'll be opening doors to a lifetime of fun, fitness, and even employment opportunities!

When Are My Children Ready for Swim Lessons?

Children can participate in swimming lessons before they can walk! Parent/child swim lessons provide water safety education and bonding opportunities that can last a lifetime.

In the years to follow, your child will be prepared to continue swim lessons on their own with an instructor; most lesson providers do not require parents to get in the water beyond the toddler years, however it is strongly encouraged that parents observe their child’s swimming skill development from a designated viewing area.

Finding a Swim Lesson Provider

• Use our Find A Team & Lessons Page to search for a swim lesson provider near you.
• Ask questions and visit the program!
• Ask those in your community where they take their children for swim lessons
• Visit the facility with your child to see how swim lessons are run
• Ask who your child’s teacher will be and whether it’s possible to meet them in advance
• Ask what the program expectations are for you as a parent/guardian
• Ask about the provider’s program or learn-to-swim philosophy

Make sure they observe and apply the following industry leading practices:

• GROUP classes according to appropriate student teacher ratios, age, and ability level. Best practice for young or beginner level swimmers, without a caregiver in the water with them, is an instructor to student ratio of 1:4 or fewer and would be no more than 1 instructor to 6 students).
• ORGANIZE the teaching program and the class schedule well.
• ENSURE that their facilities are safe, staff are vigilant, and staff are prepared to respond in an emergency.
• LISTEN to you and the student! Your family’s needs should be well addressed.
• NURTURE your students’ diverse strengths and abilities. Bring out the best in them!
• ENCOURAGE your student with motivating awards and praise
• PROVIDE an interesting, creative, and fun learning environment.
• FOCUS on the students and their needs.
• LEAD with inclusive, organized, and professional management.
• HAVE OPPORTUNITY for professional development, advancement, support and encouragement for diverse groups of swimmers wanting to compete and/or make swimming a lifelong activity.
• ENCOURAGE parental involvement. Best practice involves the parent/caregiver always being able to watch the lesson.
• EDUCATE participants on the learn-to-swim process and water safety.
• BE PROUD to show off their program, facilities and inclusiveness.
• SHOW OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE and PROFESSIONALISM by association with international and/or national industry associations. Additionally, where appropriate accreditation exists, the teachers should have the recognized certifications and/or qualifications.
• MAINTAIN water, pool surroundings, access points, and safe facilities. Clean pools are healthy pools.
• QUALIFY their teachers well. Experienced and qualified teachers will give your child the best opportunity to learn. Check that they have attained the applicable certifications and/or qualifications.