FAQs Archive - Page 4 of 4 - H2O Survival Swim School - ISR Survival Swim Lessons College Station

Q: What is the AAP’s position on swimming lessons for young children?

In May of 2010, the AAP changed it's policy regarding the age at which children may start swimming lessons, based on research stating that swim lessons may actually provide reduction in drowning risk of children ages 1- to 4-years-old. That study, “Association Between Swimming Lessons and Childhood Drowning” published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, March, 2009, by Brenner et. al. was the first study to probe the relationship between drowning reduction and swimming skills. That study concluded that, “Participation in formal swimming lessons was associated with an 88{c8ea3e6b99f4bd94807201960cf8f341fc19bd4751392fd5b1912cce57295ac1} reduction in the risk of drowning in the 1- to 4- year-old children…” The AAP encourages parents to consider that starting water-survival skills training at an early age must be individualized, based on the child's frequency of exposure to water, emotional maturity, physical limitations and health concerns related to swimming pools.

Q: Will my child need additional lessons?

Based on our research, we know that refresher lessons are important because children change so much both cognitively and physically during the first 4-5 years of life. It is important that their water survival skills grow with their bodies. Frequency depends on the child's age, growth rate, skill level and confidence level. The goal of refresher lessons is to help your child adjust his/ her new body size and weight to his/her existing skill level. Your Instructor will work with your child to help fine-tune his or her aquatic experience to assist with building efficiency, which will result in self-confidence. This is especially important if your child has not been able to practice any appropriate aquatic skills between seasons.

Q: I hear you say your priority is survival skills. Will my child learn to actually swim?

Yes. At ISR, we believe that part of survival for a child who can walk is swimming. Children learn the swim-float-swim sequence so that they could get themselves to safety. The difference in our program is that they will learn swimming AND survival skills and how to be an aquatic problem solver.

Q: If my child is over a year old, what will he/she learn?

Children over the age of one year are taught to swim with their face in the water, and when they sense the need for air, to roll back onto their back to float. After resting and breathing, they will roll over and continue to swim to the nearest point of safety. A child can perform this swim-float-swim sequence to reach safety in a survival situation. Children can also perform this sequence in their clothes. If a child does not see a way out of his predicament, he will roll over onto his back and maintain a back-float position. This buys the parent time in the event of an accident. This same sequence is most often used for fun at the pool! The confidence and self- esteem of these young swimmers is truly amazing! Teaching your 12 months to 6 year old will take approximately 4-6 weeks. The lesson format is the same as for the infants.

Q: If my child is under one year old, what will he/ she learn?

Children between the ages of 6-12 months old are taught to roll over and maintain a back-float position in the event of an accidental fall into the water. Teaching your infant to float takes approximately 4 weeks. Private 10 minutes lessons per day are held 5 days a week, Monday through Friday. Skilled infants are taught to maintain a back-float in a bathing suit and in clothing. If you own a hot tub, pool, boat, or just enjoy the water, ISR highly recommends survival training once your infant begins to crawl.