When Children Should Start Swimming Lesson

I am leaving in a condominium with a big pool and a children's pool. Children's safety is my concern. Children's activities are always revolving around the pool.

There are a few of swimming instructors teaching the children to swim at our condo. I have checked with them and they told me children should only start to learn swimming at the age of 4 when they are able to receive instruction and also to prevent their ears and lung infection.

I read the view of SK Lee of Life Saving Society, Perak from the Star paper, he/she suggested that children should start swimming lessons at age of four.

The following is the abstract of SK Lee's view:-

Contrary to popular belief, an early childhood swimming programme has no technical advantage to children under two years of age as their neuro muscular coordination and physical structure are still not fully developed.

Bad habits instead will develop as the child will use unrelated power generated elsewhere to aid under strength parts of the anatomy for propulsion.

Unknown to many, phobia of water develops as a child struggles each time during training. Choking, swallowing water and gasping for air is a horrifying experience.

Similarly, a child will eventually develop phobia at bathing time if one is not careful. Never let water run over his nose and mouth continuously. A child cannot breath under such a situation as the child may have yet to learn how to breath through his mouth. 

It is true that there are a few exceptional cases where a child can go under water or even turn and float on his back. Even after a child has learnt to dog paddle or float on his back, being accidentally thrown into open water will not guarantee his survival.

Open water conditions are entirely different from indoor still water. Having the notion that a child can swim and survive will only create a false sense of security, resulting in negligence like leaving a child alone in the water. Accidents can happen.

In a neighbouring country, the early childhood swimming programme is more of a recreation or therapy session. The element of play makes up 80% of the course and the programme is not done in a swimming pool, where chlorinated water swallowed may get into the lungs which can trigger off excessive fluid, resulting in a condition called secondary drowning.

A collar float is used to keep the head above water, leaving the hands and legs free for movement. Floating toys are added to stimulate movement.

To conclude, there is no distinct advantage for a child under two years old to start a swimming programme. It is better to let your child enjoy his bath under your watchful eyes at home, with plenty of floaties around him to develop a liking for water-he will associate water with fun.

The best age to begin an early childhood swimming programme is still 4 years and above.

Jack, who is 3 now has asked me about 2 months ago that he wanted to learn swimming as he wanted to swim like the big boys without the arm bands. He was very determine in his decision. Last Saturday, he finally managed to start his first 'trial' lesson. The instructor has agreed to take him in.