Did you know that Los Angeles has over 44,000 pools? Seriously, someone counted. Does your child know how to swim? Shouldn’t they? Still unsure about infant and toddler swim lessons? I mean, are they really worth it.
Short answer: YES, and here’s why.
Four reasons to choose infant and toddler swim lessons.
First: Let’s start with the scary statistics. According to the CDC, approximately one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal injuries related to drowning. Additionally, Californians are at increased risk for drowning and near drowning incidents. In fact, in California, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children between the ages of 1 and 4.
Second: Now, for the good news. Swimming reduces the risk of drowning in the same age group (ages 1-4) by up to 88%. True story, according to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine.
Third: Don’t believe me, believe the American Academy of Pediatrics. Until 2010, infant and toddler swimming lessons (under age 4) were not recommended. Based on the previously mentioned research, and a Chinese study that showed similar results, the AAP changed their recommendations to include the 1-4 age group.
Fourth: Not only do swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning, but research shows swimming strengthens gross and fine motor skills for easier learning. Due to the specific bilateral motions used in swimming, the entire brain is working in concert with each other. These movements help to develop the connecting tissue between the hemispheres and increase communication between the two halves of the brain. The result? Better cognitive function and better learning ability. Additionally, a 2012 study discovered that children taught to swim at a young age hit developmental milestones consistently quicker than average. They displayed better coordination and increased fine motor skills like cutting paper, coloring in the lines, and other mathematically-related tasks. The applications are far reaching, ESPECIALLY for children with special needs.
Remember, swim lessons are NOT a substitute for proper pool safety and adult supervision while your child is swimming! Always maintain the touch rule for infants, weak, and nonswimmers.
Infant and Toddler Swim Lessons
Have we convinced you yet? Good news – One with the Water offers infant and toddler swim lessons in multiple locations, plus we’ll come to your home for private lessons. Our swimming lessons for babies and infants in Los Angeles programs are scheduled to meet your needs. The approach we use provides 100% success, regardless of age. The first few swim classes are spent helping your infant or baby feel comfortable in the water, building your infant or toddlers awareness of the water, building confidence while learning simultaneous arm motion and how to float in the water safely.
If you are passionate about the water, consider helping us serve the community with swim lessons for low income families and children with special needs. Be a hero TODAY and help reduce the risk of drowning for children by up to 88%!
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Molly is a member of our creative team, mom of four water-loving babies, and a fierce advocate for CPR training and really early swim instruction.