Swimming lessons saves lives! Drowning is the leading cause of injury death for children ages 1-4 years. For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends lessons for children in this age group. Studies have shown that formal training can reduce the risk of drowning by 88%!
Formal swim training can begin at a young age. Houston Swim Club begins lessons at 4 months. Of course, the decision to begin swimming lessons should be based on the individual child's exposure to water, emotional maturity, physical limitations, and health concerns. Discuss any concerns with your pediatrician!
In addition to swim classes, be sure to follow these safety guidelines:
Install appropriate four-sided fencing that completely separates the pool from the house and yard. This includes portable or inflatable above-ground pools!
Use only properly fitted life jackets in the water, not air-filled or foam toys, water wings (arm floaties), or inner tubes. They are not designed to keep swimmers safe.
Children should never be in or around a pool alone.
Learn CPR and keep your skills fresh every year!
Lessons don't end as the summer winds down. All bodies of water are a potential danger. HSC runs swim lessons year round in our indoor heated pools, so that you can keep your child's skills up to date.
These moms took a class last weekend and are now better equipped to handle an emergency situation.
A dad speaks about his son drowning in a backyard pool. Since then, he and his wife have become active advocates for water safety and drowning prevention.
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