Hi, I don't know what reasons you are being told not to bother taking your child to swimming classes. I taught baby swimming and cannot see any reason not to take them. I would tell my parents that swimming lessons would cause their child to be more inclined to be attracted to water because they love it so much.
A good teacher will focus on simple activities that will help your child should they fall into a pool. Things like jumping of the side turning around and holding on, touching the bottom of the pool and pushing to the top, not entering the pool unless they are with an adult. Swimming lessons will not drown proof your child!
Some children are naturals and can swim 5-10m by 18 months. From my experience those that have had lessons as babies are better able to 'swim' for fun when they're older. Both my children did lessons as babies. A friend whose son started when he was 4 and was an excellent 'technical' swimmer who was in Stage 6 at 5 (can do all the strokes over a distance). When it came to playing in our pool my friend's son could only swim from one side of the pool to another. He couldn't play as such or stop in the middle of the pool.
Just my experience. It's great fun and it sounds like your baby loves the water already so go for it.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks