Summer Safety Starts Now

By Melissa Blevins 

Freezing temperatures and snow days may not have you thinking “pool time,” but according to Christian Riley, an aquatics coordinator at the Coffman Family YMCA, winter is the perfect time to get your kids in the water.

“If you plan to attend outdoor pools or beaches this summer, lessons during the winter and spring can help get you ready. Starting now gives you enough time to practice safety skills and freshen up on previous lessons,” Riley said.

Kids as young as 6-months-old may begin taking swim lessons with an adult companion. Starting early helps kids become comfortable with water, and engrains important safety lessons: like not jumping in without an adult watching, and how to reach for the wall.

Since 2010, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended swim lessons beginning at age 1 because research showed a reduced risk of drowning among preschoolers who had taken lessons. 

Water safety is the primary focus of all YMCA swim lessons. As kids mature and progress, lessons begin to incorporate stroke technique and greater swimming distances.
At the end of each session, swim instructors provide a written evaluation to the family, so parents know which skills need to be mastered before their swimmer “graduates” to the next level. Parents may also use the evaluation to guide what they work on with their kiddos on their own, which Riley encourages.

“Learning to swim takes time. Kids learn faster if they practice outside of lessons,” Riley said. “Plus, it’s a great form of indoor exercise when it’s really cold out.”

If you’re not sure which level to enroll your child in, review the lesson objectives on the YMCA website. Or, contact the aquatics coordinator at your local YMCA.

Parent/Child Lessons
•    Kids ages 6- to 36-months, with an adult companion
•    Lessons focus on water discovery and exploration. Kids will blow bubbles and fundamental safety skills, like floating, will be introduced. 
Preschool
•    Kids ages 3- to 5-years-old
•    Kids will practice basic water comfort and movement, then build stamina and learn basic strokes.
Youth
•    Kids ages 6- to 12-years-old
•    Kids learn all of the swim strokes, plus diving techniques. The distance and intensity of skills, like treading water, is increased for this age group.
Adult
•    Ages 13+
•    Instructors will work with swimmers of all levels and ages to increase their comfort and safety in the water.