Do You Recommend Swimming Lessons?

What you'll get at this age is a "parent and me" class, where they'll teach your child about feeling comfortable in the water, putting her face in the water, etc. Physiologically and mentally they do not have true capabilities of "swimming" as we think, so if you want to prepare her for swimming, that's what you'll get.

I'd look at the YMCA first, they offer excellent lessons. There may also be lessons offered if you have a neighborhood pool.
Have fun!

Dear C.,

Come do a free trial lesson at Emler Swim School in North Austin on Anderson Mill Road! We are people who LOVE kids, teaching kids to love swimming.

We have fabulous & nurturing instructors, small class sizes, an indoor, heated pool that is open year-round, and proven, guaranteed results.

The earlier you start, the better. Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death of children under the age of 5 in the state of Texas. Our state is full of swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water.

Swim lessons have been proven to increase water safety, promote confidence, prevent aquaphobia, and provide healthy exercise and bonding time with parents for children under age 3. You will be AMAZED at what child as young as 6 months old can accomplish. Not to mention what a 22 month old can accomplish!

Visit our website or call our office and mention that I offered you a free trial lesson. :)

Swimcerely,
G. S.
Emler Swim School of Austin
###-###-####
www.iswimemler.com

I've taken my little one on and off since she was 8months old. For the fun of being in the water not water safety!! Look into the YMCA they have great classes. Also Lifetime fitness.

I HIGHLY recommend Nitro Swim in Cedar Park. I checked all the options for swimming in the area. I saw the Emler School but it just didn't suit me. (Nothing specific just personal preference.) I don't recommend a city program at the public pool if you really want her to learn to swim as that won't happen for several more years because they go by age groups and only teach a certain set of skills to that age group no matter what the skill level of the child is.

Here is their web so you can check them out.

http://www.nitroswim.com

All of the staff is wonderful and they are great with the kids.

I dont' believe it is ever to early to begin swim lessons. My son has been in them since he was 5 months old and is now four. He just completed the Nitro Swim program and is going to take a few private lessons just to sharpen what he leared a little more because water safety is so important to me. We have a pool, go boating on the lake, spend a lot of time at the beach etc so it is very important the he know how to swim correctly and strongly.

My daughter was 3 in December and we've decided to sign her up for lessons just to get her familiar with the water. The YMCA has a great program that is pretty low key. There's also an indoor swim center (I believe it's called Nitro) in CP that was more expensive and a little more advanced if you're looking for something else. That said, I've read that they really won't pick up "swimming" until about 4.
Good luck!

absolutely! the sooner the better. i started my baby when she was an infant (this was a huge "fad" in my day) they don't know how to Really swim, like breast stroke, freestyle or anything, but they are taught what to do if they are in the water. mainly learn to float first and how to hold their breath. when my daughter was 3, she stayed with my sister, who was an apt. manager and there was a pool there. one afternoon, beth was riding her tricycle outside in the big patio, and she got too close to the pool and in she and the tricycle went - my sister completely freaked out, but beth brought herself up to a float and wasn't in the least bit upset about it. so - that being said - it probably saved my child from a complete and total fear of water and taught her to know what to do if she was in the water. i'm sure there are swimming classes out there for the very young. good luck and hang in there.

Hello! I signed my son up at 18 months through the City of Round Rock. He loved it. We have been going every summer since. He is now 3 years old. The first and second year we did a 25 minute class and it taught him how to have fun and enjoy the water. We blew bubbles, moved a little in the water, and practiced getting our face wet. Now that he is 3 we will concentrate more on actual swimming techniques. Good Luck!