How Useful Are Swimming Lessons?

Providing swimming lessons to children ages 1 to 4 years old can decrease their risk of drowning by about 90%. In a study of drowning deaths among children age 1 to 4, only 3% had received swimming lessons. Although swimming lessons are important, experts also advise parents and swimming instructors to emphasize water safety to children and to always supervise children around bodies of water.

More about swimming and the risk of drowning:

• The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that children as young as 1 might be ready for swimming lessons.


• Children ages 1 to 4 are at the highest risk of drowning, followed by those in the 5-to-9 age group.


• Swimming can be practiced throughout a person's lifetime. It is a low-impact exercise, making it healthy for people who have joint problems, and it improves cardiovascular health.