Not all parents will get an opportunity to introduce their baby to the water from birth. It is a common misconception that if children do not start from birth, then they are incapable of catching up. And therefore, cannot achieve great swimming skills. Forty years teaching experience has shown that children who are regularly exposed to water are the ones who truly excel. We get asked many times by parents, ‘is it too late to start swimming lessons with my child?’. Here, we will discuss.

Let’s compare two children of the same age. One child started conditioning from birth yet only attends the pool once a month. One child started lessons at 18 months but attends the pool twice a week. In addition, they practice swimming activities at home in the bath.

Is it too Late to Start Swimming Lessons with my Child?

It is common sense that the child who receives regular practice is more confident and relaxed. Therefore, they can become more independently mobile in the water. Parents should not feel guilty if they cannot introduce their baby to the water from day one. They should however, once they make the commitment to teach their child to swim, follow through by regularly exposing them to the water.

There is more good news – learning to swim is not just a fun activity. Laurie believes learning to swim can:

• Teach children a respect for the water
• Improve children’s physical development, coordination, health, fitness and muscle tone
• Build children’s independence, confidence and social skills
• Teach children a love of the water, a gift for life
• Teach children a skill which may save their life

By Laurie Lawrence

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