Learn to Swim

It is an essential life skill!

Everyone should learn to swim and with summer around the corner, now is the time to have your kids learn.  Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional, injury related death among children ages 1 to 14.  A study published by the National Institute of Health, found that kids ages 1 to 4 years who had taken swimming lessons showed a reduced risk of drowning by 88 percent.

Participation in swim lessons at a young age can prevent or overcome fear of the water. The first developmental component of swimming is comfort. Classes focus on instilling comfort and confidence in addition to safety skills. An instructor will focus on proper body position and breath control.

Young swimmers should progress at their own pace. Some swimmers develop more quickly than others and that is OK!  A class with a parent or guardian in the pool is the best starting point, as the swimmer becomes more comfortable, he or she will progress to a level that will focus on more advanced technique.

There are lots of great options for lessons in our area for both children and adults. 

‍The Montgomery County Recreation Department has all types of classes for all ages from water babies to adult lessons and offers them in various locations throughout the county indoors and out. 

The Bender JCC Herman Aquatic center offers many classes also indoor and out, and you do not have to be a member to sign up.

Goldfish Swim School and SwimLabs Montgomery County are two other great resources that offer classes at all levels of instruction.

Finally make sure you never leave a child unattended near any body of water. Accidents happen fast even with the strongest of swimmers.  No one, no matter how old or strong they are, should ever swim alone. 

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