Learning to swim is a fun, confidence-building experience and a crucial life skill! However, determining when your child can swim independently can be challenging.
In this guide, we’ll explore what it takes for children to swim independently and help you choose the right swim lesson program that supports safe, confident swimmers.
When Do Children Start to Swim Independently?
The average age a child can swim independently depends on various factors. Before enrolling your child in swim lessons, it’s important to consider their emotional maturity, physical and mental development, and comfort in the water.
At Bear Paddle, we start lessons as young as 6 months old! If your child begins their lessons at this age, it may take them around 2 to 2.5 years to swim independently.
In our Teddy program, we require a parent to be in the water until their child is 3 years old.
- Students aged 18 months to three years can gain basic water safety skills in a year. You may see your child swim five feet independently at two years old.
- Those aged three years and up can learn to swim independently in six months to a year.
- Three-year-old students may swim seven to 10 feet independently, while four to six-year-old students may go farther at 15 to 20 feet.
- Some children may also use the kickboard or barbell to swim independently at four to six years old.
What to Consider When Choosing a Swim Program
At Bear Paddle, we believe a good swim curriculum helps children swim independently and safely. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right swim program for your child:
Expertise
Swim lessons should be headed by trained and certified instructors who’ve taken a nationally recognized learn-to-swim program. Check if the school has CPR and First Aid-certified lifeguards. Ask staff members about these details before enrolling your child in a class.
Promoting Good Safety Habits
The best swimming programs teach children never to swim alone or without adult supervision. Make sure your child’s prospective instructor teaches them to ask parents, lifeguards, or other instructors if they can swim in a pool, lake, sea, or other places with water.
Lessons About Other Important Skills
Besides safety, swim programs should allow your child to learn and practice water competency skills. They should cover what to do in situations like sudden falls or other emergencies in and near the water.
A Look at a Daily Class
Every swim program is structured differently, so exploring your options is important. See whether the curriculum you’re considering:
- Allows students to swim a lot or take long breaks during lessons
- Gives children one-on-one attention
- Has friendly and knowledgeable instructors to guide your child
Alternatively, look for swim schools with complimentary swim lessons. These lessons are an opportunity to assess your child’s skill level and set specific swimming goals to achieve throughout the lessons.
Other Factors
If you’re enrolling an infant or toddler in swimming lessons, consider curriculums with:
An Age-Appropriate Environment
Quality swim lessons should create a safe and positive environment for your child while fostering their social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development. Beyond that, students must develop a healthy respect for water.
Touch Supervision
Younger swimmers, whether they’re taking swimming lessons or wading in other bodies of water, should have an adult near them for “touch supervision.”
Choose a curriculum that lets you stay close to your child during their lessons and learn the skills they need to practice between classes. Otherwise, consider private swim lessons with one-to-one instruction.
Good Water Quality
Since young children are more likely to swallow or breathe in water, you should enroll in schools with effective measures to disinfect pool water and ensure appropriate chlorine levels. Additionally, they should require students to wear snug-fitting swimwear so body waste doesn’t contaminate the water. Swim diapers are another good option for infant swim lessons.
Heated Pools
Younger children are more susceptible to hypothermia, especially in cold weather. Look for lessons held in heated pools, ideally at 87–94°F, for a safe and comfortable learning environment.
How Often Should Children Take Swim Lessons?
You may also wonder how often your child should attend swimming lessons. Multiple factors determine this number, including your specific goals, schedule, and your child’s unique needs.
- Swimming lessons that can be attended once a week can help your child remember their learnings, ensuring they use essential skills properly.
- Enthusiastic children and those wanting to overcome their fear of water can attend lessons multiple times weekly. Regular visits often lead to faster progress.
Finally (and most importantly), your child’s swim program should encourage learning at their own pace, whether they need one or multiple weekly visits.
Find the Best Swim Program for Your Budding Swimmer
So, at what age can a child swim independently? It depends on factors like their overall development and even the program they’re enrolled in. Ultimately, your child’s comfort, skill level, and safety should always come first as they learn to swim.
For more helpful tips and updates about swimming for kids, visit the Bear Paddle blog today.