With the hot summer months in full swing, many parents wonder at what age they should begin swimming lessons for their child. A recent study from the U.S. National Institute of Health suggests that swimming lessons for babies and toddlers can provide an extra level of security for children when they are around water. Babies and toddlers who learn the fundamentals of floating and who are exposed to water on a regular basis have a better chance of staying afloat if they fall into water.

Check with your local swim club or YMCA on the availability of swim lessons for babies. In most cases, a parent participates in the class along with their child. Babies can learn to overcome any fear they have of water and parents can feel a bit more secure, but it’s important to remember that enrolling your baby or toddler in swimming lessons does not mean that water safety rules can be ignored. See this earlier post about Pool Safety.