Doctors Flip Stance On Toddler Swim Class

Group Had Been Against Lessons Under Age 4

CARLA K. JOHNSON, AP Medical Writer

POSTED:10:01 pm MDT May 23, 2010

CHICAGO --  The nation's largest pediatricians group is relaxing its stance against swimming lessons for children younger than 4.

A few small studies now suggest toddlers may be less likely to drown if they've had swim lessons. That's why the American Academy of Pediatricians said it's fine to enroll children as young as 1 in classes.

The doctors aren't recommending lessons for every young child. Some parents may feel their little ones aren't ready for the water, and that's OK. In the past, the group said swim classes might give toddlers and parents a false sense of security.

The updated policy was announced Monday.

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News Clip on Infant Survival Instruction

When a child drowns, whether in a home swimming pool or bathtub, the focus of the news story is on the immediate incident as it occurred and rarely on the failure of the parent or guardian to ensure the child's ability to survive such an incident. Until recently, most parents relied on the recommendation of their pediatrician whose advise more often than not was not to teach their child water safety procedures until they reached the age of four years. Now they agree. Survival floatation training for infants and young children is a good idea.

Learn about: Becoming a Child Drowning Prevention Specialist