The
American Academy of Pediatrics is taking the plunge and now says that swimming lessons for tots ages one to four may not be such a bad idea after all. Previously, the group had shied away from such a recommendation believing that children weren't developmentally ready for swimming lessons until after their fourth birthday. But
new research has convinced the doctors group to relax its policy and update its guidelines.
The new studies show that kids ages one to four may be less likely to drown if they've had some formal swimming instruction. Because the studies have been small and not specific about what types of lessons were best, the AAP has not declared swimming lessons mandatory. But since toddlers ages four and under (along with teenage boys) are at the greatest risk of drowning, swimming lessons are certainly worth considering.
The
Red Cross has been offering swimming lessons for kids of all ages for quite some time. Its classes start with parent and child water orientation for children as young as six months to about three years old and the organization also gives lessons to children four and older.
Whatever advice you follow, parents should arrange for lessons when they feel their child is ready. Factors that play into the decision are how often the child is near water, emotional development, physical abilities, and any health concerns about pool water infections and chemicals. The AAP is not recommending lessons for water babies under the age of one, saying there is no evidence that it works.
Drowning rates have fallen steadily over the past two decades—down nearly 50 percent from 1985 to 2006 (from 2.68 per 100,000 in 1985 to 1.32 per 100,000 in 2006). Despite these promising numbers, drowning remains the second leading cause of death for children ages one to 19.
When it comes to pool safety, multiple layers of protection are the best defense. A fence around the pool is a necessity and can cut drowning risks in half; also consider a pool alarm and safety cover. Portable inflatable pools with soft sides pose their own risks—a child can easily topple in head first.
Recently, Don Mays, our Senior Director of Product Safety talked to the folks on the
CBS Early Show about products that make pools safer. But nothing can replace the human factor. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant at all times. Never leave young children unsupervised around water—even if they've taken swimming lessons. And when you're talking to your teenagers about not drinking, remind them that alcohol increases the risk of drowning. For more tips, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission's
pool safety website.
—Desiree Ferenczi
