Q&A for How to Teach Your Child to Swim

Survival swimming and being safe in water can be taught from six months old.

It might be helpful to get your child a fun and colorful swimsuit that fits well so she feels less self conscious, as this may be more about how she feels about her appearance than about her ability to swim. Take her to a quality swimsuit store and let her choose one she really likes; have the assistant help make the choice if you need. Also, spend some time talking to her about her fears and seek to reassure her. Explain too that the buoyancy of water helps all humans float and that swimming is an easy form of exercise to keep fit without sweating or feeling the challenges that can come with land sports like running and cycling. Last but not least, offer to go swimming with her and help her to learn how to swim properly; that way she'll be happy that you're truly invested in her efforts to learn swimming.

It can be a problem if your child is unable to consolidate newly acquired skills through regular practice. Infrequent visits may cause your child to associate swimming with something that only happens when there is spare time here and there rather than as something to take seriously. Try your best to schedule at least once-a-week lessons. If you really cannot manage this, consider intensive learning sessions during school vacation breaks; many swimming schools, local councils and organizations such as the YMCA/YWCA carry out intensive courses that can teach children to learn swimming skills quickly but you have to commit to entire weekly blocks during this time.

Absolutely! Your child will love having you being in the pool with them as well as doing lessons. Do ask the instructor what suggestions they have for extending the learning with you as well, so you can bolster the existing learning. It is important to watch your child's lessons too, so you're aware of what your child is learning and where they are experiencing challenges.

You are right to be concerned, as the surfaces around the pool area can be both hard and slippery. Teach your child from their first lessons that they must never run around the pool area but to always walk. For example, say something like: "We walk around a pool and in the change rooms. We do not run at the pool." Help your child to understand that the surfaces can be slippery and will hurt a lot if they fall onto them.

Swimming is a big part of many people's lives, but not everyone learns it at the same pace. Make sure your child is learning in a safe environment, maybe a less-populated pool or the ocean on a nice day. Though it may feel embarrassing for them at first, I suggest water wings to help your kid feel comfortable with floating. Consider helping your daughter learn the ropes of swimming as it can be a strong bonding experience. As a lifeguard, I would recommend this as in my experience teaching introductory swim classes, the kids whose parents stay in the water after class with their child learn much faster than those whose don't.

Just believe in yourself. Just follow the teacher's instructions and trust that you will be okay.

You could try turning it into a dunking game. Get into the water with your son and start bouncing him in your arms while counting to three. Once you reach three, quickly dip the both of you into the water. Sometimes they just need to go under once, even if they're hesitant, to know that it's not that bad.

Everyone should know how to swim in case of emergencies. Ask your parent to sign you up for swim lessons. Tell the instructor about your breathing problems and any other issues you might have. They should be able to help you.

You could try getting a arm float, worm float or a foot tie. They would help you float in the water.

Yes. This is a good idea as it combines having a qualified instructor with also swimming with your child.

Do "Mommy and Me" lessons first and then advanced lessons.

Your dog may instinctively know how to swim already. If not, you can support him in the water and help him to learn. There are even life jackets made for dogs!