Basics Benchmarks To Follow When Teaching Children How To Swim

🚨It is important to realize that younger children, are not yet physically capable of performing certain swim skills.

• ☀️  3 months: Baby is capable of happily having water gently poured over the head.

• ☀️ 6 months: Baby is capable of performing a brief underwater pass.

• ☀️12 months: Baby is capable of a brief underwater swim.

• ☀️18 months: Toddler is capable of maneuvering with forward motion through the water for 3-5 seconds using the legs for propulsion independently.

• ☀️24 months: Toddler is capable of getting back to the side of the pool from a sitting entry.

• ☀️30 months: Toddler is capable of swimming with face in the water for 7-10 feet.

• ☀️3 years: Toddler is capable of getting back to the side of the pool from a standing entry.

• ☀️3 ½ years: Child is capable of swimming with the face in the water and breathing as needed using a pop-up or roll-over breath.

• ☀️4 years: Child is capable of swimming freestyle with the face in the water for 20 feet.

• ☀️5 years: Child is capable of swimming freestyle with side breathing for 30 feet.

These are just the basic benchmarks of swimming. Reference these for an idea of which skills are most developmentally appropriate to work on moving forward. 

🔷 Consider this: 

Infants and toddlers can make great progress toward learning skills that will make them more "skill ready" to master more advanced swim skills, and even learn safety skills that could save their life. 

🚩However, because their motor skills are not as well developed, learning advanced swimming and water skills is a challenge.

These skills can be developed with the help of a knowledgeable and experienced swim instructor. A teacher who motivates, builds confidence, and has solid teaching fundamentals can make a significant difference in how quickly a child learns to swim. 👩 🏊‍♀️

💦 Set your child up for success with swimming & basic water safety 💦

Practice, experiences, & consistency matters!