When to Start Swim Lessons: A Guide for Parents

As a parent, one of the best gifts you can give your child is the skill of swimming. Not only is it a fun activity, but it’s also an essential life skill that can keep your child safer around water. One of the most common questions parents ask is, “When should I start swim lessons for my child?” The answer is that parents can make that choice for themselves. There are programs for all ages starting at 2 months.  Swimming has incredible benefits that include stimulating brain development, strengthening muscles, improving balance and coordination, and advancing motor development. 

The Best Age to Start Swim Lessons

At Emler Swim School we have swim classes available for babies as young as two months old, toddlers, school-aged children, and even adult classes. Here’s a breakdown of Emler Levels: 

• • Bathtime Babies (2 months to 5 months): Parent-and-baby swim classes are designed to get infants comfortable in the water. These classes focus on water acclimation and teach parents how to hold and support their baby safely in the water. These classes, which we lovingly call “Bathtime Babies,” help infants develop a positive association with water.
  • Level 1 (6 months to 35 months): At this age, toddlers can start learning basic water safety skills, such as floating on their back, kicking, turning around to safety, and getting in and out of the pool safely. They also learn 8-10 seconds breath control. Consistency is key, and our swim lessons are fun, interactive, and completely tailored to your child’s developmental stage. Parents are in the water with their little one for this age group.
  • Level 2 (24 months to 35 months): In this age group, children begin to learn more advanced swimming skills such as consistent kicking and independent rescue. By the end of this class, they will be able to kick through the water with their face in the distance of 10 feet, which is twice as far as they were able to in Level 1. Parents are in the water with their child for a portion of these lessons. 
  • Levels 3, 4 and 5 (3 years old): At this age your child will learn to hold their breath 8-10 seconds, kick through the water face-in for distances of 5-20 feet, back float independently and begin to work on rollover breaths. They will learn “Jump, Turn, Swim” safety skills, jumping in independently, turning around, and exiting the water.
  • Levels 6 and 7 (4 years old+): No prerequisites are required for this class, making it an ideal starting point for children 4 and older. Students begin to acquire skills such as kicking face-in for a distance of 15 feet, holding their breath for 10 seconds, familiarizing themselves with our self-rescue safety method “Jump, Turn, Swim,” and learning backfloat and freestyle arms. Children in this age group will also independently master swimming with freestyle arms for a distance of 20 feet. They will continue progress in refining their “Jump, Turn, Swim” safety skills while perfecting front and rollover breath techniques.
  • Levels 8 and 9 (5 years old+): At this level your child will focus on skill advancement. When your swimmer completes Level 8, they will have acquired the ability to swim with freestyle arms and perform elementary backstroke for 30 feet.  Essential techniques and skills like treading water and incorporating side breaths while swimming will also be learned. In level 9, students master swimming competitive freestyle and backstroke across 
  • Levels 10 and 11 (6 years old+): Swimmers at these levels will focus on mastering their freestyle and backstroke, and will begin to learn the butterfly stroke. Upon completion of these levels, congratulations, your child will be ready to join STEALTH swim team! 

• STEALTH Swim Team (6 years old+): STEALTH Swim Team builds speed, endurance, and technique, and will provide opportunities to compete in swim meets with other local Emler schools. This is a great opportunity for swimmers to continue making progress on competitive swim strokes!

Benefits of Starting Swim Lessons Early

Introducing your child to swim lessons at an early age offers numerous benefits, including:

• Improved Water Safety: Early swim lessons teach vital water safety skills, such as floating on the back and turning around to safety which can help prevent drowning in an emergency.
• Development of Motor Skills: Swimming helps develop coordination, balance, and strength. Early exposure to water can enhance your child’s physical development and build confidence.
• Boosted Confidence: Learning to swim at a young age helps children feel more confident and secure in the water, reducing fear and anxiety.
• Bonding Time: Parent-and-child classes are fun and they provide a great opportunity to bond with your baby while building trust and comfort in the water. Parents also enjoy learning alongside others and making friends with others who prioritize safety.

Tips for Starting Swim Lessons

Starting swim lessons can be an exciting but sometimes overwhelming experience for both parents and children. Here are some tips to make the transition smoother:

• Choose the right swim school: Look for a swim school that allows parents to participate and view lessons with a low student-teacher ratio, age-appropriate classes, gentle and loving techniques, and a focus on water safety. A welcoming environment can make a big difference in your child’s comfort level.
• Start with Parent-and-Child Classes: For infants and young toddlers, parent-and-child classes provide a gentle introduction to the water. These classes allow you to be in the pool with your child, offering comfort and support as they learn.
• Be Patient and Positive: Every child progresses at their own pace. Celebrate small successes, whether it’s blowing bubbles or getting in the water without hesitation. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in building confidence.
• Practice Consistently: Consistency is key when it comes to swim lessons. Regular attendance helps children retain skills and build confidence. It’s a great idea to practice water skills during family swim time to reinforce what they learn in lessons.
• Make it Fun: Swim lessons should be enjoyable and engaging. Choose a program that incorporates games, songs, and activities to keep your child excited about learning to swim.

Safety Tips for Outside the Pool

While swim lessons are a crucial part of water safety, it’s also important to practice water safety habits at home:

• Supervise at All Times: Always keep an eye on your child when they are near water, including bathtubs, kiddie pools, and even buckets.
• Install Pool Fences: If you have a pool at home, make sure it’s secured with a four-sided fence and a self-closing, self-latching gate.
• Learn CPR: Knowing CPR can save lives in emergencies. Parents and caregivers should take a CPR course to be prepared in the event of a water-related accident.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when your child should start swim lessons, but beginning early can set the foundation for a lifetime of safe and enjoyable water experiences. Whether you’re looking to introduce your baby to the water or help your older child refine their swimming skills, Emler Swim School offers programs designed to meet every stage of your child’s development.

Ready to dive in? Contact us today to enroll, or schedule a trial lesson and get ready to start your child on the path to becoming a confident swimmer!