30 March 2004

by Anai Rhoads

AnaiRhoads.org - Although many find that babies adapt to water easily and even openly enjoy swimming, some do not feel the infants are ready for the experience.

An updated policy from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that parents should enroll their child after the age of four in order to ensure they are psychologically prepared for formal swimming lessons.

Adults and trainers must be readily available in or around the pool to guide and protect the children who are learning how to swim. Even though the aquatic programmes a parent chooses is insured and has a good reputation, parents should not rely on these lessons when it comes to allowing the child to swim on their own.

Accidental drowning is one of the leading causes of injury and death among toddlers ages one through two years of age. In Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury and death in the pediatric age group. An estimated five to ten million infants and pre-school children participate in aquatic programmes annually.

Find a qualified instructor in your area by clicking here.

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