Swimming is a great way for young kids to get exercise, socialize with other kids and learn to be comfortable in the water. But before any child hits the pool, pond or big blue sea, it's important to learn some basic safety rules. And for parents who want to encourage budding swimmers, there are things you can do to help them enjoy the water.
Learn to Swim
For any kid to have fun in the water---and most importantly, stay safe---swimming lessons are a must. the Safe Kids website recommends that parents sign kids up for swimming lessons after they turn four years old. Children should know how to tread water and how to float, along with learning how to swim and breathe properly. Lessons can help children feel comfortable and confident in the water.
Practice Swimming Safety
Even if children know how to swim, it's important for parents to make sure they're swimming in a safe environment. Never let young children swim alone. Safe Kids recommends that an adult always be around swimming children and give them their complete attention and supervision. Don't allow children to swim where it's not allowed. The Nemours Foundation says that kids should learn to stay near a friend and understand and follow all rules of the pool or beach.
Swim at Your Own Speed
If children are swimming with their friends, they're likely all swimming at different levels of skill. Make sure that your children know not to push themselves beyond their limits---especially in rivers, lakes and oceans where conditions can be dangerous. Encourage kids to play water games and enjoy swimming at their own pace, and leave tougher stuff to more experienced swimmers.
Don't Dive Right In
Diving can be a lot of fun for active kids and all their excess energy, but it's important to dive safely. If children are swimming in a pool, ocean, lake or river, make sure they know that they are only allowed to dive in areas that are marked as safe for diving, says the Nemours Foundation. If they don't know how deep the water is, check it out first by swimming in the area yourself, but keep in mind that you can't always see clearly in muddy water. Diving into a shallow area can cause serious injury.
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