What's a the safest way to teach my young kids how to swim ?
The American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend holding off on enrolling young kids in swimming lessons until after their first birthday and even then, children under 3 years old should not be fully submerged in water. Make sure to follow appropriate safety precautions for your child, including providing attentive adult supervision at all times. Here are some tips for improving your child's comfort and safety around water at all ages.

From 1-2 years old, you can introduce your child to water and improve their comfort (as opposed to teaching them to swim) by holding them in your arms while in a pool, teaching them to splash, and playing gentle games together.

From 2-3 years old, you can encourage them to use their arms with games and show them how to blow bubbles so that they learn how to get their face wet without swallowing water.

Around 4-5 years old, your child may develop enough coordination to begin swimming on their own. At this point you can enroll them in formal swimming lessons. In shallow water, your child should learn how to float independently, submerge their head under the water for five to 10 seconds, go from a standing to a swimming position without assistance, glide through the water, reach an exit point, and use coordinated kicking and arm movements. Their swimming class should focus on both water and safety skills. You may ask to participate in their first lesson to help them become comfortable and to evaluate the class.

At 6 years and older, many kids at this age can learn to jump into the water and resurface on their own. They can start developing all swimming strokes, including the breast- and backstroke. Their greater endurance will allow them to swim longer distances. However, note that while some 6-year-olds are swimming independently, others may take to a bit longer to master this skill.
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