When should you teach your kids how to swim?

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Summer is in full swing and many people are going to the pools with their children. Most, if not all, public pools have lifeguards watching swimmers, but it is always good to know how to swim just in case something does happen.

Parents.com recommends that parents hold off until after their child’s first birthday. Kristi Charko, a West Springfield mom of five children, said she exposed all of them to the water by the age of two or three.

“We want to know that our kids are safe, they can play in the water and they can get themselves out of a situation if they needed to. I was just teaching my daughter here today if she gets too deep to be able to bounce up and down,” said Charko.

Teaching your child how to swim or getting them lessons will not only make sure that they are safe in the pool and around water, but it may also give parents piece of mind.

Parents.com also said toddlers may feel comfortable in the water, but never leave them alone. Make sure they are always under attentive adult supervision or better yet… be in the water with them.

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