walter@nrcp.DEC (08/12/85)
I was shocked to see someone write in to the net saying they didn't believe children should be taught to swim until they were 3 years old. I have taught swimming lessons to children since I first received my lifesaving certificate 11 years ago, and have since worked at a YMCA where they strongly suggest teaching children how to swim as a SAFETY PRECAUTION. While working at the "Y" I heard many stories from parent about how those swimming lessons saved their child when he/she accidentally fell into a pool/lake, etc. We taught babies as yound as 3 months to automatically turn over onto their backs and float as soon as they hit the water. In most cases if you wait until the child is 3 years old to start teaching them to swim you have to first overcome their fear of the water. The younger you start the less fear they have and the sooner they feel comfortable in the water the sooner you will feel comfortable. If you live in a neighborhood where there is a pool I suggest you take your kids to swimming lessons. The "Y" I taught at in Western Pennsylvania had an excellent MOM and TOTS program where either mother or father could get in the water with the baby and instruct them while the YMCA instructor guided the parents. If you don't want to teach your kids how to swim until they are older PLEASE don 't let them near any water unless you are with them and you know how to swim. Also, if you are afraid of the water your child will pick that fear up from you, take swimming lessons at the same time! Nancy W. DEC Northboro