Swimming is a fun activity that helps children build confidence, offers a great source of exercise, and improves mental development. So, when is the best time to enroll your child in swim lessons?
Formal swim lessons are important because they establish a foundation for safe swimming. Whether your child is a toddler, teen, or somewhere in between, swim lessons can give your child the confidence they need to thrive in the water.
The best age to start swim lessons
According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, it is recommended that children start swimming lessons at one year of age. While some parents are eager to start swimming lessons before the age of one, it's not recommended as it does not decrease the risk of drowning.
With that said, there are a few signs your child may be ready for swimming lessons. Some signs include:
For babies and toddlers:
- Your child is an expert crawler
- Your child enjoys bath time
- They have increased energy and creativity
For older children:
- Your child has expressed interest in learning to swim
- Your child has a desire to get over their fear of water
Our swim programs
Here at the YMCA of Central Kentucky, we offer a variety of swim programs at four of our Lexington YMCA locations to meet your child's needs. We offer swim lessons for all ages, with programs ranging from private to group classes. Here is an overview of what we offer.
Group swim lessons
Group swim lessons are an excellent way for children to learn to swim in a social setting. Group lessons allow kids to socialize with other children and have fun all while learning how to swim with formal instruction.
There are several benefits of placing your child in group swim lessons, including:
- Building social skills: Group swim lessons enable children to follow instructions and interact with peers.
- Learning from others: Learning to swim in a group allows children to watch and learn from their peers.
- Affordability: Compared to private lessons, group lessons are more affordable.
- Confidence: Parents can watch their children gain more confidence as they learn to swim with their peers.
Private swim lessons
Placing your child in private lessons is another great option to help your child master swimming. Some children may benefit from private lessons if they are shy or might feel intimidated by others when learning how to swim.
Here are a few benefits of placing your child in private swim lessons:
- Personalized attention: Private lessons allow for one-on-one instruction that may help your child feel more comfortable while learning, leading to faster progression.
- Increased safety: One-on-one lessons lead to increased safety since there is more supervision and guidance from the instructor.
- Flexibility: For those with a busy schedule, private lessons may be more convenient as there is often more flexibility with scheduling than with group lessons.
Importance of swim lessons
Swim lessons are vital when it comes to ensuring safety in the water. Whether you choose group or private lessons, your child will benefit from learning how to swim in a fun and nurturing environment.
When children receive formal swim lessons, they lower their risk of drowning. Plus, swim lessons can be a great way to help children overcome their fear of water. With formal instruction, children are emerged in water with supervision, allowing them to conquer their fears at their own pace.
Swim lessons are also a great way to implement exercise in your child's routine. Swimming is an aerobic and full-body resistance workout that helps strengthen all parts of the body while remaining low-impact.
Contact us today to learn more about our swim programs
Here at the YMCA of Central Kentucky, we want to help children thrive in and out of the water. We are committed to providing kids and teens with a safe environment to learn how to swim with confidence. If you're interested in enrolling your child in one of our programs, learn more here.
