All children, especially for those who live in homes with swimming pools should learn to swim. In addition to the safety factor, learning to swim also provides the opportunity to have a blast in the water with family and friends. The question however for many parents is whether to have the child take swimming lessons or to let them “learn on their own”
The bottom line is that a child can learn faster and better with professional swimming lessons. Keep in mind that lessons are not expensive in all cases and in fact, the YMCA offers free or low priced lessons. With this, a trained and certified instructor will work with your child in a way that is safe and effective. Although some children show natural ability to swim and even if you are an expert teacher, a certified instructor is specially trained to make a connection with the child so the information being taught sticks.
To give you an idea of some of the things your child would learn by taking lessons includes keeping himself afloat, propelling forward, specific strokes and kicks, and then of course, safety measures which are the most important aspect. In other words, swimming lessons will allow your child to learn the right way, while making the process fun and exciting. Just knowing that your child can have fun but also handle an emergency in the pool is a huge benefit to any parent.
In fact, many children who have taken swimming lessons realized at how exciting this activity is, going on to become competitive swimmers in high school and college. While a child can learn basic skills on his own, swimming lessons are the more effective and safe way to learn. Just remember that even after learning how to swim it is important that no child be left unsupervised around a pool as common sense.