In the Swim of Things

Getting Your Preschooler to Embrace the Water

By Julia Rosien

Have you seen a swim class at your local pool in the past few years? Kids no longer line up in rows at the side of pool getting cold and bored. Take a peek during class time and you'll see children singing songs and playing games in the pool. Many parents list safety as the main reason for taking swimming lessons, but isn't it great that lessons now emphasize the fun of learning and making positive memories?

If your child has not had formal instruction before the preschool years, now is the time. At age 3 or 4, children are more coordinated and can understand instructions that are more complex. They begin to interact with their peers and notice the world around them.

Swimming improves cardiovascular fitness and coordination. Each new stroke or breathing technique mastered increases self-confidence. Learning to swim decreases the risk of panic if kids fall into the water fully clothed. According to Infant Swim Research Inc., more children younger than 4 drown than any other age group. While learning to swim cannot prevent drowning, it can empower your child so she won't "sink like a stone."

• Never leave your child alone in the bathtub or pool not even for a second. The unthinkable can happen to anyone.
• Leave a responsible adult in charge of safety. This is too much responsibility for an older sibling to handle. Many children have drowned while being watched by an older brother or sister.
• Never assume someone else is watching your child. Make sure the person in charge of supervision knows it's his or her responsibility.
• If you must leave, bring the children. Install a phone jack by the pool or buy a cordless if you don't want to miss calls.

Want to see more?

• Swimmer's Ear: Quick Treatment Is Key
• Swimming Safely: Don't Let Summer Fun Turn Tragic
• Talk about it!
• Swim Safely! Protect Your Children from Waterborne Illnesses