swimming lessons

Almost 1,000 children die every year from drowning, and this occurs most often in home swimming pools.

Water is EVERYWHERE we look. Well, except Arizona’s deserts in July. In all seriousness though, pools, lakes, beaches are the obvious threat to drowning.

But it is also important to note that swimming lessons would also be necessary for the event of natural disasters such as flash floods or if a small child falls into a full bathtub.

Not to come off as paranoid, but the danger is seriously everywhere.

That said, it is clear that swimming lessons for children are a necessity, especially for homeowners with pools.

The threat of water to kids that cannot swim does not have to result in you spending your summer away from the pool.

In this article, we will dive into all you need to know about swimming lessons for your kids.

This way, you can spend your summer relaxing poolside with your family, and most importantly, having tons of fun. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

The Basics of Swimming Lessons for Kids

Swimming is a life skill that is crucial to ensuring your child’s safety in many instances beyond the summer pool party.

In this article, we have considered things that every parent wants to know before signing their kid up for swimming lessons, like:

  • What age to start swimming lessons
  • The overall average cost of swimming lessons
  • Where to go for swimming lessons
  • How long the average session of swimming lessons last
  • Differences between private and group lessons
  • Taking swimming lessons more than once
  • What to do if a child loses interest in swimming lessons once you’ve signed him/her up.
  • Benefits of swimming lessons beyond safety.

Parents can choose to sign their kid(s) up for swimming lessons at any age; when they are infants or when they are older. This is up to you. However, there are some differences between how these two different types of classes work, costs, duration, parental participation, etc.

To get started, let’s jump into the basics.

What Age to Start Swimming Lessons

  • You can enroll your child from age 6 months to around 5 years old.
  • The appropriate classes for this age group are probably offered your local YMCA and Red Cross. You obviously do not want to let just anyone teach your child how to swim.
  • At most YMCA’s, you do not have to be a member to sign your kid up for swimming lessons. However, you will probably pay more for the sessions or a package of multiple sessions if you are not a member.
  • These classes should have certified lifeguards as instructors.
  • Instructors should have a first aid/resuscitation certification. It is okay and smart to double check for this before paying for the swimming lessons.

There is a wide range when it comes to cost for swim lessons that range from $20 to $445 per session.

  • Private Lessons: $54 to $330 per session
  • Infant Lessons: $30 to $174 per session
  • Group Lessons: $20 to $445 per session

The cost of swimming lessons usually goes up due to the length of each session. The longer the lesson, the more pricey the cost.

In infant classes, the parent typically participates in the swimming lessons, so bring your swimsuit. When kids are older, parents can watch from poolside.

Most swimming lesson instructors offer lessons with a duration of 30, 60, or 90 minutes. There are also some instructors or organizations that offer different times like 40-minute sessions. It is important to note that this varies depending on the instructor and the location of the lessons.

Sessions can go on for just a few days to several weeks (one to two classes per week) depending on the organization / individual offering the lessons and the type of lessons (infant, private, group).

For some kids, it may be necessary to repeat swimming lessons more than once. This is okay and completely normal.

Some organizations even offer year-round swimming lessons for kids. Learning to swim takes time, and it is important to make sure your child has mastered swimming. Even if it takes years.

Year round lessons reinforce skills that can take a lot of time to master. Just like your kid would practice football or ballet for years to get better, they need to practice swimming with swimming lessons.

Of course, it is true that swimming can come naturally to some kids and not others. Although not every kid is born a fish out of water.

Class size differs depending on where the swimming lessons are happening and the age of the child. It can range anywhere from 1:1 to 1:15 according to CostHelper.com.

Now that you know all the ins and outs of swimming lessons for kids, it is also important to know how swimming lessons can benefit your child in life outside of the pool.

There are many perks to swimming lessons in addition to the increased safety poolside.

Benefits of Swimming Lessons

  • Safety
    • Swimming lessons are a safety precaution. We want to keep our kids safe, and this is a way to help ensure that safety.
  • Physical Fitness and Health
    • According to Medical News Today, swimming engages almost every major muscle group. Kids will not even notice they are exercising. This is a plus.
      • Just so you know this is our way of helping you distract them from Fortnite for just a little while, and they won’t even complain along the way.
    • Swimming also increases and helps maintain cardiovascular health.
      • Your kid’s heart and lungs will thank you.
    • Has positive effects on balance and posture.
      • No more teachers telling your child to sit up straight.
    • Great exercise for any fitness level.
      • Kids that play competitive sports from a young age AND kids that despise sports will both be able to participate in swimming lessons and have a great time.
    • Great exercise for people with injuries or disabilities.
      • While some cannot participate in other sports and activities, swimming is inclusive to all as long as appropriate safety measures are taken.
    • Advanced physical abilities
      • When compared to kids who don’t swim, kids who swim have been found to have more advanced physical abilities.
  • Emotional Health
    • Reduces insomnia
      • Have a kid that has trouble sleeping at night? After taking swimming lessons, your child will sleep better according to Medical News Today.
    • Improves mood
      • Endorphins are released in your body during exercise. Swimming does not feel like exercise.
    • Improves self-esteem
      • Who doesn’t want to help their child feel great about themselves? Because let’s face it, our kids are great. They should know it too.
    • Improves confidence
      • Kids are proud of themselves when they accomplish something. Set them up for success and a confidence boost with swimming lessons.
    • Improves social skills
      • Group sessions specifically can improve a child’s social skills. They will participate in lessons with kids that are also learning to swim. They will accomplish this task together and hopefully make a new bestie by the end of the sessions.
    • Manages stress
      • This is an added bonus. Though kids don’t always get stressed out like adults, if they tend to worry or get anxious a bit about things, swimming lessons will help.
    • Advanced cognitive abilities
      • Kids who swim are smarter than other kids.
        • Who knew swimming could be a way to increase your kid’s chance to get into an Ivy League school? Don’t worry, this can be our little secret.
  • A way to bond with your child
    • Especially with infant swimming classes, parents are able to bond with their baby during the time in the pool. So bring a family member along to take pictures to blow up your Facebook and Instagram with after the swim lessons are over.

Sign Your Kids Up for Swimming Lessons

So, have we convinced you that swimming lessons are a great idea? Because they are.

The initial cost of the lessons is a little price to pay for your child’s well being and your peace of mind.

For pool owners, and anyone planning on swimming or planning on going near a body of water ever in their life, the ability to swim is necessary.

Even if you do not like swimming, your kids need to be prepared for anything and everything that could happen, even a flash flood.

Even if you don’t have a pool, you never know when your child will get invited to a friend’s pool party. If they know how to swim, they can join in on the fun.

If you want to give your child a confidence boost, encourage fun exercise, and help him or her make new friends, swimming lessons are your answer.

The ability to swim can save your child’s life. Sign them up for swim lessons today.

Then, contact us for more information on how to get the pool of your dreams. Because, let’s face it, once your child knows how to swim, the next thing on their wish list will be a pool.

Oh. And just so you know, we sell spas too, and we are pretty sure that this is at the top of every parent’s wish list.

It’s a win-win for everyone involved.