How to Choose a Swim Program for Kids

Parents often want their children to enroll in a swim program so that they can learn how to swim. In addition to teaching the fundamentals of swimming, a good swim program will teach children about water safety and help them to become familiar with the water. Choose a swim program for your kids with care.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Consider your child's age. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children are not developmentally ready for swim lessons until their fourth birthday. Before then, consider enrolling your child in a mommy and me swimming program that will help him learn about water safety and be comfortable in the water with a parent present.

2. Consider your child's learning style. Will learning to swim in a group be too distracting for your child? If so, you may prefer to enroll her in a swim program that offers private lessons. If opting for a group program, choose a program that has a low student to instructor ratio.

3. Consider which body of water you want your child to learn to swim in. You'll need to decide whether you want your child to learn to swim outdoors--in a lake or ocean--or in an indoor or outdoor swimming pool. Many summer programs offer swim lessons outdoors, while others only offer indoor programs in heated pools.

4. Evaluate the philosophy of the swim program. Some swim programs teach children to swim using noodles or other flotation devices, while others prohibit their use. You'll need to be sure that you are comfortable with the program's instruction methods.

5. Choose a program with credentialed instructors. You want to be sure that your child's swim program hires swim instructors who have lifesaving and lifeguarding credentials.

Tips & Warnings

• The American Red Cross Parent and Child Aquatics program helps children prepare to swim by becoming comfortable in the water. The Red Cross program is geared toward children from 6 months to 5 years old.
• Don't be fooled. Don't get a false sense of security when your child can swim. Children should never be around water unless closely supervised by a strong swimmer.

Resources

• American Red Cross Swim Program