swimming for toddlers

Posted by Sashimi Girl (139 days ago)

at what age can babies / toddlers learn to swim independently? well for the sake of survival anyway. my 15 month old LOVES water. at the beach he makes a beeline to the ocean, and at home as soon as i run the bath, he comes running and tries to climb into the tub with all his clothes on!
my instincts tell me this kid needs to learn to swim ASAP. has anyone had any good experiences with some toddler swimming schools in HK? when do they happen? thanks!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by axptguy38 (139 days ago)

15 months is a bit early. ;) The problem is not so much technique as lack of judgment. He may learn to swim somewhat but he will have no conception of what is dangerous until at least 2-2½ years.

Somewhere between 2 and 3 years kids can learn to float around without being tethered/really close the whole time. Some precocious kids can learn to swim without flotation aids before 2½. However they should not be left unattended.

By the time the child is 3½-4 he/she can probably swim independently, as in you don't have to be on full alert all the time.

The important thing is not to rush things. If your 2 year old has a bad experience or two in the water, things may be delayed for months. Certainly stay extra alert so that the child does not get a big drink of water and big scare that will keep them away from the water. It is worth the investment.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by mumbloxy (138 days ago)

check out Harry Wright (www.harrywri@netvigator.com), they have good swim classes for kids (we had baby lessons since 6 mths).

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ldsllvn (138 days ago)

yep - they wont swim before 3.5 yrs or so.. as a result we decided not to do swimming lessons until ours are 3 yrs old - waste of money... if you want them to be happy and confident in water - just keep on taking them to the pool yourself once a week, that seems to do it for ours two....

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Sashimi Girl (138 days ago)

right, that's what i thought. i was wondering if there was anything to gain from "swimming" lessons before the child is physically capable of swimming himself. i thought these baby swimming lessons are to teach babies to enjoy being in the water, but i do not seem to be having this problem with my boy who goes bolting towards the ocean or tries to get into the bath with all his clothes on! it is his fearlessness i am more worried about...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (138 days ago)

When he gets a bit older you can explain about not running off (into the water, into traffic...) Right now you'll have to put up with the chasing.

(I am based in Hong Kong)