when to start swim lessons?

kastle

i don't really care if sprout ever swims competitively, but i want him to at least be able to (eventually) doggy paddle and feel confident in the water.

when is the typical time to start swimming lessons?  I'm think probably later but don't want to start too late (I don't ever remember having lessons, but then again, I'm not a terribly graceful swimmer either).

I_love_cupcakes

You can start at most community centers as young as 6 months.  We did our first series just after DS turned 2, and all they really did was help them feel comfortable in the water.  There were some songs and splashing, trying to show them how to float and kick their legs, but that was about it.  DS was more interested in the playtime they got on the slide after (Claude Moore Park in Sterling) than actually following along in the class.

Hey Jellisy

We took swim lessons at 12 months and it was really more to acclimate DD to the water than to teach swimming.  Now that she's 2, I keep on meaning to get her back to lessons, but with the baby, life sort of was overtaken by events. 

Sofka

I'm ashamed to admit we have not done them yet and DD is 32 mo, I'm hoping to sign up for a session by end of summer

 

WinesNot Whines

We went to one class this summer, but I think M was a little overwhelmed by all of the water. I'm going to try again next year.