What to know before you dive into swim lessons for your kids

You want to make sure your child learns to swim, but deciding when and where to put a child in swim lessons can be confusing.

The important thing is to understand what swim lessons can - and cannot - do, according to Dr. David Erickson of Amita Health Medical Group Pediatrics in Elk Grove Village.

"Learning to swim is a process, and it is different for different children," Erickson said. "You should not try to rush it."

Children younger than 1 are too young for swim lessons, Erickson said. Children 1 and over might benefit from specialized lessons, but parents should realize that these lessons do not actually teach children to swim. They are designed to make children feel comfortable having fun in the water, and to give parents important information about water safety.

If you choose to take a toddler to swim lessons, make sure that the water is not too cold, Erickson said. The bodies of babies and toddlers have a lot of surface area, making them more susceptible to hypothermia. Even older children will enjoy lessons more - and probably be more willing to engage with them - if the pool is heated.

"The best time for lessons that really teach the child to swim is after the child can understand and process the information he or she learns in swim class," Erickson said. This is usually around age 4, but some children might be ready before that, and some might not be ready until later. It is important to gauge your child's interest as well as ability to listen and follow directions. If your child has a special situation, such as breathing problems, look for an instructor who understands the potential dangers of swallowing too much water.

In general, Erickson said, choose a teacher who is certified, not only in teaching swimming but also in water rescue and life-saving techniques. Ask if you can watch a lesson to see if you think your child would benefit from the teacher's approach. Look for a situation in which your child would be comfortable. For example, a lesson with many 4-year-olds might be too chaotic. Some children might benefit from private lessons, but others might feel more confident if they see a couple of other children enjoying the lesson.

No matter what class you choose, a couple of lessons does not make your child a swimmer. Erickson said, "It takes a long time to learn to swim well." A child needs to go to lessons regularly over time to become a good swimmer. And taking your child to swim lessons does not lessen the need for vigilance when the child is in or near water.

"We don't want parents to have a false sense of security that the risk of drowning is less because the child has taken swim lessons," Erickson said. "With young children, always be within an arm's length of them and never take your eyes off them. Even with older children, watch them carefully until you are absolutely sure they are safe in the water."

• Children's Health is an ongoing series. This week's article is courtesy of Amita Health, which is comprised of 19 hospitals and more than 230 sites of care, including Amita Health Alexian Brothers Women & Children's Hospital, Hoffman Estates. Amita Health has 900 providers in its medical groups, more than 26,000 associates and 7,000 physician partners and serves over 6 million residents in the greater Chicago area. For more information about Amita Health's programs, locations and services visit www.amitahealth.org.