The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes the importance of swim lessons for children as early as age one. Drowning remains the leading cause of death among kids aged one to four, prompting the AAP to update its guidelines on water safety and drowning prevention. Parents are urged to prioritize swim education earlier than many might expect.
“Drowning is the number one cause of injury-related fatalities for children in the 1 to 4 age group,” explains Dr. Emily Carter, the lead author of the AAP policy statement on drowning prevention. “Many of these tragedies occur when children encounter water unexpectedly or are left unsupervised. Given toddlers’ natural curiosity, it’s essential to implement safety measures, such as pool fences and secure door locks.”
If a child cannot swim without the aid of a flotation device, they do not truly know how to swim. Therefore, it’s vital to enroll children in swim lessons by their first birthday. These updated recommendations aim to educate parents and help avert swimming-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
“Children should definitely learn to swim and master a survival float before they learn to walk,” states Maria Jensen, a swim instructor and owner of WaterWise Academy. “Once children are walking, they can easily access pools, which increases their risk.” According to Maria, infants as young as six months can learn vital water survival skills. During lessons, they are taught techniques such as rolling onto their backs to float, allowing them to rest and breathe.
A report from the AAP revealed that approximately 8,700 children under the age of 20 visited emergency departments for drowning incidents in 2017, with a quarter of those needing hospitalization. Children aged 0-4 are particularly vulnerable to drowning due to a lack of effective barriers preventing unsupervised access to water, which includes pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, and even standing water in homes like buckets and toilets.
The AAP advises that both children and parents should learn to swim and acquire water-safety skills. However, readiness for swim lessons varies among children, influenced by factors such as emotional maturity and exposure to water. A parent’s decision about when to start swim education should be tailored to their child’s unique situation.
Additional Tips to Diminish Drowning Risks
- Never leave children unattended near bathtubs, pools, or any bodies of water.
- Promptly empty buckets and containers after use, as even small amounts can be dangerous.
- Avoid leaving young children alone in the bathroom; consider using toilet locks.
- Always focus on supervising children when they are in or near water, even if they are older and more capable swimmers.
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In summary, the AAP urges parents to prioritize swim education for their children from an early age to help prevent drowning incidents. By understanding the risks and implementing safety measures, families can enjoy water activities more safely.