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Original poster

Age to start swimming lessons (to actually learn to swim?)

17 replies

Hdocheub820 · 12/05/2022 19:32

DS is 2.5. we haven't done swimming lessons yet but take him every week or so for a casual swim.
Lessons aren't cheap, so I'd like to know what age you think it is worth starting weekly lessons. I feel like before now they would be more about water confidence etc but at what age can they begin to actually learn to swim?

OP posts:

runnerblade95 · 12/05/2022 19:34

I would also like to know what age to start DD swimming lessons. She’s 3 and wondering if I may be too late? I hope not!

Frazzled2207 · 12/05/2022 19:34

Our swim school start them off at 3.5 minimum. Seems to be sensible.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 12/05/2022 19:34

Proper strokes... 4/5
They can learn to propel themselves effectively before then though.

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DuggeeHugPlease · 12/05/2022 19:35

Because of covid we didn't start until reception year - so aged 4. This meant we went straight to lessons where we don't get in the water with them or even stay poolside. Bit daunting but seems to be a good age and making progress.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 12/05/2022 19:37

Our swim school starts at 4- and I’d say that’s about right- good to be comfortable in the water before this but not necessity.

EsmeeMerlin · 12/05/2022 19:39

My son started half way through reception. For me I wanted to wait until he showed that he was able to concentrate and listen to an instructor for a period of time. I know some have started too early and the child just wanted to play in the pool which I think is a waste of money when they can do that with you going as a family. However it very much depends on the child and when you think they can cope with a more structured swim lesson.

Eupraxia · 12/05/2022 19:41

When they are tall enough to stand in the small pool or shallow end. With my kids this was around 3y. IMO pointless when they have to be carried around because their feet don't touch the bottom.

Singleandproud · 12/05/2022 19:43

DD was 8 when she started formal lessons, went straight in at stage 4 within 12 months swam a mile during their distance week and joined the competitive swim team within 18months.

Previous to this we went weekly, she was water confident and could doggy paddle a length so went to swimming lessons for the technique. She learnt quickly as she was older she could easily follow the teachers instructions and put it into practise and her gross motor skills were well developed as well.

I would take your DC yourself for now, save up for 1:1 lessons instead of group ones in the mean time, group lessons really were a waste they barely do any swimming as they take it in turns. Once Dd moved into the higher grades she often had lessons by herself as the group was small and people would be away during holidays and DD made a noticeable improvement during these 1:1 sessions.

Staynow · 12/05/2022 19:43

I'd say 5 or when they've started school. Before that just take them yourself to get used to the water and have fun.

confusedlots · 12/05/2022 19:43

I took both of mine to water babies every week from very young, can't remember exactly but maybe 6 or 9 months? Then Covid stopped all of that and now I've just started my 5 year old in group lessons, that's the youngest they take them in the local pool. I do worry they've missed out on building their confidence in the water the past couple of years, but she's doing great, and I must say I do like not having to get changed and get into the water with her every week!

dollymuchymuchness · 12/05/2022 19:45

4 years old for proper lessons but children vary considerably with how quickly they progress. Just keep taking them, learning to swim is an essential life skill. I used to help with a swimming club, often their lessons are better and cheaper.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 12/05/2022 19:47

DS started when he started Reception, so not long turned 4 (June birthday).

olympicsrock · 12/05/2022 19:47

5 is a good age to start formal lessons. We took DS weekly ourselves to get him to enjoy the water. He first had a few lessons just after 5th birthday. He has got a lot more out of the lessons when he restarted at 6.5 to be honest.

Mol1628 · 12/05/2022 19:55

4 or 5. I waited till they were settled into school for a term then they started proper lessons.

Singleandproud · 12/05/2022 19:55

The ASA levels are here. You can teach the first 3 levels easily by playing games when you take your DC swimming yourself, they'll enjoy learning from you too whilst still really small. When I taught Dd I made up games and competed with her 'who can glide the longest', ring a ring ar roses for taking a big breath, dunking and kicking to the surface, much the way I'm sure most of our parents taught us to get beginner skills when we were younger.

If money is an issue I would definitely use it for family swimming instead of formal instruction at 2.5 years.

WhatsHoppening · 12/05/2022 20:02

My eldest started at almost 4 and seems to be progressing but quite slowly. She enjoys the lessons and is building confidence so that’s the main thing.
my youngest 2.5 I’ve taken to swimming class once a week for about 6 months now, I wasn’t sure about it as felt she was too young but my goodness she is amazing! So confident in the water and can basically swim alone with a noodle (me not holding her at all will just swim around the pool!). I wish I’d started younger with my eldest but covid prevented that really.
id say the younger the better to gain confidence!

GlitterSparkley · 12/05/2022 20:20

DD was allowed to start when she was 4. The swim school didn’t allow younger. She is 8 now and is in stage 8 and has passed her Bronze award (inc 400m badge) even with a year of disruption thanks to covid.

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