As a parent of two, I can say with certainty; kids are quick! Mine are eight years apart, but keeping up with both has always been a challenge. One moment they’re right next to you; the next, they’re out the door, near the pool, or reaching for the stove. The truth is, we can’t always be there to protect them every second. But what we can do is give them the tools and confidence to protect themselves.
When my daughter was three, we were at a family gathering near a backyard pool. My husband and I were chatting by the table when, without any splash or sound, my daughter suddenly fell into the pool. We didn’t even see it happen; she just sank. Thankfully, her teenage cousin was already in the water and pulled her out instantly. The entire incident took seconds, but it could have changed our lives forever.
That experience taught me a powerful lesson: a child’s ability to save themselves in water is essential. I had already done “Parent & Me” classes elsewhere, but those hadn’t prepared her for a real emergency. After moving to Aliso Viejo, I immediately enrolled her in lessons at Premier Aquatics, where she quickly learned essential survival skills. Looking back, I wish I had started even sooner.
Many parents assume that the best time to start swim lessons is around age five; when kids can communicate better and follow instructions. However, research shows that the ideal window to start learning basic swimming and water safety is between ages 1 and 4.
Even infants as young as 6 months can participate in Parent & Child swim programs to get comfortable in the water. At that age, children are naturally curious and fearless, making it easier for them to develop early water safety habits.
Before they even master full strokes, young swimmers can learn critical life-saving skills like rolling onto their backs to float or kicking to the pool’s edge. These abilities can literally save their lives.
Water safety is the most obvious reason to begin lessons early, but it’s far from the only one. Starting swim lessons young offers benefits that go well beyond the pool:
Children who start early are more aware of their surroundings in and around water and develop instincts that help prevent panic in emergencies.
Early exposure helps children build comfort and confidence in the water, reducing anxiety later in life.
Group lessons encourage cooperation, patience, and teamwork; valuable skills that extend beyond swim class.
Swimming enhances coordination, balance, and overall motor control, supporting other areas of physical growth.
Studies show that children who start swimming early often develop stronger cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills.
Learning to swim independently gives children a sense of accomplishment and confidence that carries into other areas of life.
As the story of the quick-thinking father reminds us, CPR training for parents is just as important as swim lessons for children. Together, they create a safety net that can protect your family in emergencies.
At Premier Aquatics, we offer both early swim lessons for children; starting as young as six months, and CPR certification classes for parents and caregivers.
With summer approaching and Southern California’s endless sunshine, now is the perfect time to equip your family with these essential life skills. Sign up today and ensure that your time at the pool or beach is not only fun — but safe and worry-free.
Because when it comes to safety, sooner truly is better than later.
