Swimming at Age One

It’s summer and time to swim.  American Academy of Pediatrics recommends one-year-olds can start learning how to swim; they are old enough to lift their heads out of the water, but infants can also start learning with proper instruction and support.  Babies one and younger haven’t learned to be afraid or traumatized by water-yet!

We learn to swim to be safe (drown-proof), to be unafraid of the water, to have fun in water, and maybe even be on a swim team, become a lifeguard, a sailor, deep sea diver, or a marine biologist.  Most lessons are given at a pool where children can see other children taking lessons and having fun – so why not join in.  Find a Mommy and Me class or join a local swim club and sign-up for lessons.

I’ve followed several New York Times articles about children learning to swim, including a recent one (June 17, 2021) by Imani Bashir “Teaching My Black Son to Swim.” Although this article is aimed for black children, it is an important and encouraging read for all parents of young children.

I have seen parents totally engaged helping their babies/children with lessons and I have seen some parents looking down at their phones while their babies/children are taking lessons or ‘playing’ in a pool unsupervised.  I know of a toddler who was floating inert in a pool and would have died, if not for the quick actions of a couple doctors who happened to be at the pool that day and were able to give CPR and revive him.  I strongly urge parents to figure out a way to have their children learn how to swim as early as possible during the summer and/or at indoor pools in the winter.

There are many children’s picture books encouraging young children to swim and play in water.  The characters are relatable and  can help a child to overcome hesitancy or fears. There are even books with whales, llamas, beavers, even Froggy, Spot and Curious George learning how to swim.  Better to see actual children. Four favorites of mine are:

Leo Can Swim by Anna McQuinn – for babies and toddlers

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall (ages 3-5)

1,2,3 Jump by Lisl H. Detlefsen (ages 3-5)

Cannonball by Sacha Cotter (ages 4-7)

Get wet!