Learning to swim can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% if children participate in formal swimming lessons between ages 1 – 4*. It can also improve sleep quality, increase cognitive skills development and offer a healthy activity for growing bodies+. So what’s not to love about learning to swim? You and your family should sign up today!

Sounds great, but where do you start? It’s important to find a swim school that fits the needs of the student and your family. Here are some things to look for as you search to find that fit.

Look for:

• developmentally and age appropriate activities and learning
• a positive and fun environment that focuses on the needs of the learner
• progressive development with rewards along the way to keep your swimmer motivated and excited to learn, remember learning to swim is a process
• a friendly and helpful staff that is inclusive and strives to meet your family’s needs, one that includes parents in the process
• a safe environment with vigilant supervision by staff with completed background checks, proper use of equipment and water safety training included in lessons
• well qualified staff with ongoing training
• a clean facility that includes clear, well sanitized water
• small class sizes for young children and beginners as well as shorter lessons in warm water for young children
• professionalism, including participation in a national association such as the US Swim School Association

There are many swim schools that offer year-round lessons, so today is a great day to start your search and get signed up. You can find a list of schools in your area by visiting: https://www.usswimschools.org/find-a-school/

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