When did your kids learn to swim?

[Ohdobequiet]

I was planning for almost 5 yo dd to start swimming lessons as soon as pools open up again- but have been met with a fair few comments about her being too young.

When did yours learn to swim?
Aibu getting an (almost) 5yo to learn?

“ Consistent time in the water - without floaties - is important too”

Well yes. I think most of us in the U.K. are doing our best taking into account availability of pools, weather, finances and recent lockdowns

My youngest had his first lesson at 10 days old. Could swim well before he was 1. My middle one was 3 and started lessons at the same time as youngest. My eldest never had lessons and taught himself on holiday aged 7. 5 is definitely not too young.

I think that swimming is a life skill. It's essential where I live as we now live next to a river.

I should probably say that the youngest lessons were just about getting them used to the water whilst little, obviously not a full on swimming lesson as such. They used to get us to sing humpty dumpty and then when it gets to "had a great fall" you dunk them. They learn that's what is coming and then learn to hold their breathe etc.

It’s borderline negligent children not being able to swim here though - coastal Australia, hot, nearly everyone has a swimming pool. When it’s warm every time your child plays at a friend’s house they’ll jump in the pool.

I have the same view where I live (Caribbean). The amount of kids (and adults!) that have died in 5ft of water in an unsecured pool because they can't swim and panic is horrifying.