Importance of Early Swim Lessons

   

Posted by RaySa

Dec 13, 2011

As parents, we prepare our children to excel in life through a number of different avenues. From the time they are born, we constantly teach them skills. We teach them basic skills like walking, talking, reading and writing. At the same time, we’re also teaching them skills to keep them safe and healthy; look both ways before crossing the street, stop drop and roll in case of fire. So it stands to reason that we should include water safety in that list of skills to be taught early in life.

Learning to swim is an essential skill. While swimming undoubtedly provides a great form of exercise, recreation and social enjoyment, it is also integral to the safety of children and adults alike. According to PreventInjury.org, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 1 to 14 and the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4. The majority of drownings and near-drownings occur in residential swimming pools and in open water sites. By teaching children how to swim - and float - at an early age, parents can significantly reduce their child’s risk of drowning.

No child is too young to begin learning water safety. Merritt Athletic Club offers a Get Wet class for children from newborn to school-age and their parents to get comfortable with the water in a no pressure, supportive group setting. When children are comfortable enough to sit on the side of the pool without assistance, they are ready for our Michael Phelps Swim School Pre-Beginner lessons. These lessons begin by teaching essentials of floating, kicking and water safety. A child who cannot yet swim, but who knows to lay back and float if they fall into a body of water has a significantly greater chance of surviving than a child who does not know to float. All of our Get Wet and Swim Lesson Classes are taught by experienced instructors and overseen by certified lifeguards to ensure the highest level of safety as your child learns to swim.

No parent wants to imagine harm coming to his or her child. The best way to prevent harm from the water is by beginning swim lessons early and continuing them until the child is proficient. Merritt Athletic Club and the Michael Phelps Swim School are committed to the safety and growth of children through aquatic education. Our new session of Swim Lessons at Towson and Eldersburg begin January 9, 2012 and at Canton January 3, 2012. Register today to get your child started on the path to learning the skills that can bring recreational enjoyment for years to come, as well as save their lives.

Topics: swimming baltimore, Michael Phelps Swim School, fitness swimming pool, water safety, Aquatics, swim lessons baltimore