:applause: I agree swimming is very important, drowning is one of the most frequent causes of death among young children. I don't have the link handy but it's second only to automobile related deaths. And as was just on the news a week or so ago they can drown in something even as innocuous as a small plastic bucket or plant pot.

 

It is so ver important for children to know how to swim, my kids were in the water when they were 1, and took lesson from there. Today they are both very good swimmers, and know much about water safety, like river current and what happens to you in currents while swimming.

Getting them started early is a very good idea, and making them PFD aware is important.

My daughter Clarissa was on the cover of YMCA magazine when she was 1 year old in the pool. Pretty cute to :flowered:

 

Great reminder Brad! I lived at the coast when my kids were small. They all knew how to swim, WELL, at very young ages. So much water around with rivers, lakes, ocean, pools it's so important.

Thanks for the reminder.
Bob

 

We're fortunate enough to have a pool so my kids have all been around water since they were in the womb. Now my problem is telling them to keep their life jackets on while on boat. Brad, did you start Wyat out when he was a baby, and do the throw em in the pool thing.......I dont know if they (instructors) still do that but it is pretty amazing to watch a baby swim right from the get go.

 

yeah we need to sign my boy up for classes this year. but he goes no place near the water with out a lifejacket rp

 

I grew up around and in the water. I was a boy scout and a lifeguard. The title and subject of this thread took me aback. I just don't know what it's like to not feel completely at ease in the water.

Please, take your kids to a swim class. Even if they hate it at first, stick with them. It's such an important skill. And best of all, it's so rewarding to watch them build their skills (particularly those who weren't the best swimmers starting out).

 

Once she can move around on her own, I will teach her. Right now she is working on the whole rolling over and lifting her head thing.

 

Sandy, Gresham, Reynolds, Centennial, MHCC all have classes right now run by Bud Taylor and the Swim Team gang. Quick progression and lots of fun for the kids. 1 or 2 one hour sessions a week. No reason to not get them water safe now.

 

Here are some great shots for inspiration... waterbabies

 

Great post. There are alot of programs out there for kids to learn how to swim - many have programs for babies and toddlers. My kids really love the water so we are taking full advantage of that by enrolling them in lessons. Here is my son (now 3) at 7 months in a water babies class. My daughter started her first lesson last month at 6 months. CW