Aquaphobia, the phenomenon that causes a person to experience a feeling of anxiety or discomfort, is something that the majority of us are guilty of. While it certainly is not something that stays persistent, the mainstream lot typically learns to cope with it or overcomes it as they grow older. Learning how to swim is often considered a daunting task, which turns out to be why we find ourselves whirling in the ‘Pool’ of Aquaphobia. However, knowing when you can ideally start with the learning process can make the road hassle-free and what could be better than jumping right from the beginning!

What’s The Right Age to Learn Swimming? Diving Into The Details!

According to a recent study conducted by the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP), parents should hold off on their plans to enroll their kids in formal swimming lessons until after their first birthday. Although they previously suggested that kids' ideal age to learn swimming is four years and above, the verdict changed after the recent study was conducted. They indicate that swimming lessons for toddlers older than a year are not only safe but also help them in being comfortable with being in the water.

While it is important to mention here that no swimming lesson can guarantee your child to be drown-proof, a progressive approach towards swimming lessons can help your kid equip themselves with lifesaving skills. It is also crucial here to understand that every child has a different tendency and ability to adapt to a new environment. Hence, if your kid starts adapting to the swimming lessons differently, it should not be something that keeps you over the edge. With that said, prepared for you is an age-by-age guide encircling the benefits of swimming lessons at different ages so that you can make well-informed decisions:

1. Age Group: 1-2 Years Old

While you consider your child's age, it is also essential for you, as a parent, to take their comfort and experience with water into account before you sign them up for any swimming lesson. Toddlers who are just over a year should only be introduced into water under your presence. What’s important is for your child to be comfortable in an environment that is different than usual. So, the only goal you should long for is for them to be at ease when in the waters.

Water Safety Tips:

• Always keep your child in your arms.

• Do NOT submerge them as they can involuntarily swallow a large amount of water that can sometimes be fatal.

• Be constantly aware of your toddler as incidents can happen in the blink of an eye.

2. Age Group: 2-3 Years Old

Once your child learns to be comfortable in the water, it would subconsciously make them curious and learn more. They will gradually start being more active in the water. However, they would still need you to hold them. Before you enroll them into a swimming lesson with an instructor, make sure you make them comfortable playing fun games that require them to move their arms and kick their legs.

Water Safety Tips:

• While toddlers are more curious by nature, you must not let them be on their own in the water, even for a minute.

• Teach them how important it is for them to be under adult supervision.

• Ensure that they understand the importance of personal floatation device.

3. Age Group: 4-6 Years Old:

Now that your child has developed the necessary coordination and the skills needed, you can have them enrolled in a formal swimming lesson. While they are in shallow water, they should be very comfortable learning how to float independently, submerge their head, and even change their positions without assistance. At this point, you don't necessarily have to be with them in the water; however, it is still important to continually supervise all their pool activities.

Water Safety Tips:

• Keep them under your constant supervision at all times.

• Ensure that they understand how important is it for them to go swimming ONLY when an adult is around.

• Always make sure that your child wears a personal floatation device (PFD).