Swimming is one of the most popular recreational activities for both children and adults. Aside from being an excellent activity to do during one’s free time, it’s also an effective form of exercise. With all these benefits of swimming, it is no surprise that many people are interested in learning how to swim. However, there’s one common question that people, specifically parents, often ask about swimming lessons: At what age should these swimming lessons be introduced to a child? Read on to find out the ideal ages for babies, toddlers, and children to start learning how to swim. 

The Best Age for Baby Swimming Lessons

Aquatic programmes for infants are usually enjoyable for both babies and parents. However, some experts do not recommend actual swimming lessons for babies who are below the age of one year because they haven’t yet developed the breathing skills necessary for swimming. Basically, this means that babies younger than one aren’t capable of swimming independently. As much as possible, babies should always be monitored or supervised by their parents or any adult whenever they’re around water. Nonetheless, many experts encourage parents to engage their babies in parent-child water play activities that give infants a chance to become accustomed to being in the water. When searching for a class for you and your baby, look for one that employs certified instructors, and that promises fun in the water instead of the unrealistic goal of teaching a baby to swim.

The Best Age for Toddler Swimming Lessons

Although many toddlers and young children still aren’t developmentally prepared to swim skillfully on their own or learn complex swim strokes, private swimming lessons for toddlers can already be taught to kids between the ages of one and four years. However, just as with infants, early swimming lessons aren’t a substitute for adult supervision during water time. Like aquatic classes for babies, classes for toddlers should include both the kids and their parents so that they both learn essential water safety habits. These classes are also necessary when it comes to developing swim readiness skills, despite the fact that many kids aren’t developmentally prepared to swim on their own until after reaching the age of four.

The Best Age for Children Swimming Lessons

Developmentally, most children are ready to take formal swimming lessons when they’re about four years old. By this age, children can coordinate their body movements to kick their feet and swim strokes, which are the critical skills necessary for successful swimming. What’s more, experts emphasise that swimming lessons are vital for all children who are four years and older so that they can learn water safety skills. When signing your child up for a private swimming lesson for kids in Singapore, ensure that the programme you choose has safety-certified instructors. You should also look for a progressive swimming programme that enables your child to move forward to a new level every time they master a new skill. Essentially, the best swimming programmes for kids are those that provide an effective combination of instruction and games since they don’t only teach children vital skills but are enjoyable as well.

Conclusion

Learning how to swim is a crucial life skill that you should earnestly and responsibly teach to your little one. Additionally, swimming is an incredible way to exercise and usually becomes a lifetime sport for many people. However, when enrolling your child in a swimming programme, it’s necessary to look for one that suits their age, caters to their needs, and promises realistic goals. Swimming is undoubtedly a fun activity, but it should always be done with safety in mind. If you’re looking for the safest and most enjoyable swimming programmes for you and/or your child, look no further than at Swim2u! We offer safe and effective swimming classes for babies, toddlers, and children that are guaranteed suitable for their age and abilities. We also provide private adult swimming lessons for those who are eager to learn to swim despite starting late. Feel free to contact us to sign up with us today!