swimming lessons...at what age?

My DS is 17 months old and LOVES the water. That being said he has NO fear. He will run right into the ocean, try to throw himself out of his float in the pool.

Does swimming lessons teach them to be cautious with the water?

Money is tight right now bc we are paying 2 mortgages but if swimming lessons will help this I would def do it.

Is it worth it at this age or is it going to just teach him how to be comfortable in the water.


Also on a side note is there any type of floatation device that works well with a 17 month old (25 lbs). Not to leave him alone but just in case he squirms himself out of my arms.

Thanks!!!

Re: swimming lessons...at what age?

I have an 18 month old DD who's totally fearless. We took a 6-week swim class at Saf T Swim and she loved it. That said, it didn't teach her caution. Over the long term, it can teach her some emergency swimming skills.

Re: swimming lessons...at what age?

I agree with pp. I would wait if money is tight BC for 6weeks its nearly $200 and you are not going to get the results that rapidly.

Get the puddle jumper. Its a great flotation and not too bulky on the kids. Costco had them for $17

Re: swimming lessons...at what age?

We took DS to Safety Swim when he was 2 yrs old. He HATED IT.

I wish we had done it sooner.

He doesn't like going under water, but i feel if we had done it sooner, he would have gotten over that fear.

Re: swimming lessons...at what age?

As a previous life guard,junior Olympic swimmer, swim coach and private instructor....at this age the best thing you can do is supervise at all times. Most children at this age have no fear and there is nothing, not even expensive lessons that will help this.

I would use it to your advantage that your child is so will g to explore the water. There are some good swim instruction videos on you tube. Just do a search and work with him on your own.

I started working with dd at 1 and she will be swim g across our pool by this August at 3! Start with teaching him how to hold his breath. Blow in his face and dunk! Put him on the edge of the pool, blow in his face dunk and turn while reaching his arms up to grab the side. If you do this repeat everyday he will automatically know to turn and reach and hold his breath on his own! If he goes not private lessons knowing how to hold his breath, you will get more for your money, since we spend so much time working on this. Also take his feet and teach him to kick. Like I said YouTube!
Get a puddle jumper! It's great. I make my dd where it all times, the beach, dock, pools... If you have any questions please ask!

Message edited 6/19/2012 9:24:45 AM.

Re: swimming lessons...at what age?

We started DD a few weeks ago at 15 mos with survival swim. She goes 5 days a week for 20 min, for 6 weeks. In the few weeks she's been going she's doing great with her breathing and floating so far. It is expensive but it's worth it. We are in FL and in the water year round.

Re: swimming lessons...at what age?

Message edited 6/19/2012 12:05:38 PM.