Debunking Myths about Toddler Swim Lessons

Swimming is great exercise for adults and children alike, but there are numerous myths that circulate about infant and toddler swimming lessons in Los Angeles. If you have a child that you need to enroll in swimming lessons, here’s the truth about the many myths you may have heard and the best way to get children started in swim classes.

Myth #1: Floaties Ease the Transition

One mistake many parents make is assuming that floaties that go on the arms will keep their child safer and help them transition to swimming more smoothly. While it’s true that floaties on a nonswimming child will keep the child safe as long as they’re used properly, floaties can actually be a detriment when it comes to teaching a child to swim. This is because arm floaties help the body stay upright vertically, which isn’t the natural swimming position. Children that are too accustomed to staying vertical in the water may have a difficult time moving horizontally through the water because they have more fear of that position.

Myth #2: Starting Lessons Before Walking Is Dangerous

Another common myth is that children can’t or shouldn’t start learning to swim before they can walk. Unfortunately, even children who can’t walk can still find their way into a pool or other body of water. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in children 1-4 years old, so it’s best to start children in lessons as early as possible. Granted, the skills taught at this stage are survival skills, but that doesn’t make them any less important. Children who are comfortable and confident in the water at an early age can start learning strokes to help them move efficiently through the water sooner.

Myth #3: Summer Lessons Alone Are Sufficient

Swim lessons are most effective when they’re continued throughout the year. Swimming frequently with family during the summer or even taking summer lessons is definitely helpful in making a child more comfortable but stopping lessons the remainder of the year will usually result in a child falling behind and having to relearn skills. If you’re hoping to have your child advance through the different levels, they’ll need to take lessons throughout the year.

Practicing floating

Myth #4: Children Will Get Sick More Often

Some parents worry that being in the water more often will result in more colds and other sicknesses. This simply isn’t true, no matter how old your child is. Even on colder days, your child is no more likely to come down with an illness from being in the water than they are on warm days. The viruses that cause a cold can enter your body more easily if nasal passages are dried out, but most swimming facilities are hot and humid so your child’s immune system may actually be better able to fight off germs.

Myth #5: Swimming Puts Too Much Pressure on Children

Learning new skills and being challenged in swim classes in Los Angeles is good for your child. When children learn more independence and see progress, they’re stronger physically, emotionally, and mentally. You child will learn from mistakes and be more resilient even if they sometimes fail. This is especially important if your child decides to move on to competitive swimming.

To learn more about swim class benefits and to enroll your child in lessons, contact SwimRight Academy today.