Swim School: Help Kids Build Skills, Safely
By Malia Jacobson
From soccer to gymnastics to track, lots of sports help kids build skills and burn off energy. But one sport offers a unique boost to lifelong fitness: Swimming. Research shows that swimming lessons build skills that can translate into a lifetime of safe, effective exercise long after kids put away their cleats, ballet slippers, and track shoes. And regular swimming builds core strength, breath control, and stamina that can enhance performance in other sports, according to swim instructors Jenny and Chris McCuiston. Here’s how to help kids make a splash, safely, whether they’re in the tot pool or the deep end.
EARLY YEARS 1-5
Pool Rules
Although a small study found that formal swim lessons can reduce drowning risk in children ages 1 to 4, the American Academy of Pediatrics warns that preschool-age children should never be considered water safe. Before age 4, children don’t have the motor skills needed to swim independently and still need constant adult supervision in and around the water, even if they have some swimming ability. But swim lessons can still benefit young kids. They can help build physical skills and swim lessons give kids a boost in cognitive and social development.
At this age, swim lessons should focus on building basic skills, such as getting into and out of the water safely and going underwater comfortably. Parents can help by emphasizing water safety rules, says Jenny.
“Rules are there for a reason, especially when it comes to rules for the pool. Walk, don't run; make sure an adult is watching; no horseplay. Reviewing rules together as a family before you swim helps everyone enjoy the water.”
ELEMENTARY YEARS 6-12
Just Keep Swimming
By grade school, kids may have the strength, stamina and control needed to master more complex swimming skills, from freestyle breathing to flip turns. With regular swim lessons and practice, your school-aged child is likely more confident in and around the water and may even have passed a swim test or two.
At this point, families may be tempted to quit lessons and devote time and energy to other pursuits – after all, the kids already know how to swim, right?
Not so fast. There’s good reason to continue with lessons and practice into the tween and teen years.
Every spring when parents come for refresher lessons, they’re surprised at how much their child has forgotten since last year, swim teachers say. Just like any other physical activity, kids should keep swimming multiple times throughout the year, whether it be in lessons or free swim, so they don't lose the muscle memory, endurance, and stamina they’ve gained.
TEEN YEARS 13-18
Life Guard
Summertime pools, lakes and beaches brim with opportunities for teens to socialize, exercise, and relax. But drowning risk doesn’t evaporate once kids outgrow the baby pool – it’s still the second leading cause of death for children 1 to 19, with teenage boys particularly at risk. To protect kids from drowning, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children learn to swim, including teenagers. (If your child learned to swim years ago, periodic refresher lessons can help build and maintain swimming ability.)
Prioritize water safety by talking to teens about drowning risks, including the risks of drinking and swimming; per research journal Injury Prevention, up to 30 percent of drowning deaths involve alcohol. Make sure teens understand the risks of unsafe jumping and diving, which can include severe head injuries and paralysis, and teach teens to dive safely: Never dive headfirst into an unknown body of water or anywhere diving isn’t allowed. Insist on life vests when teens use watercraft and boats, including paddleboards. Finally, when it comes to pool safety, trust, but verify: Ask about adult supervision before your teen attends a pool party, and confirm that parents will be present during any swimming activity.
Local Swim Programs
Starfish Academy
Offering a variety of swim lessons available with experienced, certified instructors for all swimming abilities and age ranges (infants to ages 16+). Both members and non-members are welcome. New classes start every month. Group, semi-private, and private lessons are available.
Locations: Available at The Alaska Club statewide (South & East Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla, Fairbanks)
For info: thealaskaclub.com/starfish-academy-swim-lessons
YMCA Swim Lessons
Swim lessons by nationally certified instructors for all ages, from infants to seniors. Parent/child classes, group classes and private classes available. Available to members and non-members.
Locations: YMCA Anchorage and Mat-Su
For info: ymcaalaska.org/programs/aquatics/swim-lessons
Alaska Swim America
Swim lessons are for ages 3 and over and lessons are 30 minutes long, twice weekly (includes five minutes safety instruction weekly). School year and summer lessons available.
Location: At the Dimond High School pool, Anchorage
For info: gomotionapp.com/team/cmakast/page/home
Swim Fit Alaska
Private swim lessons for children (ages 3-17) and infants (ages 6-36 months). Parent and child swim lessons available. Special needs swim lessons available.
Location: Lessons are taught at multiple locations in Fairbanks and surrounding areas
For info: swimfitalaska.com
Juneau Pools Swim Lessons
Parent & Tot (ages 6 months-3 years), Preschool (ages 3-5) and Youth (5-12) swim lessons.
Locations: Dimond Park Aquatic Center, Augustus G. Brown Pool, Juneau
For info: juneau.org/parks-recreation/juneau-pools
