Sign Your Children Up for Swim Lessons Ahead of Peak Swim Season

Step Into Swim educates parents on the importance of signing up for swim lessons

Alexandria, VA (February 28, 2022) – With cold weather hitting across the country, there is no better time to stave off the winter blues by dreaming of sunshine and planning summer activities for the family. To get ahead of peak swim season, Step Into Swim -- a water safety initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) -- is sharing tips to navigate swim lesson sign ups and plan ahead for the busy summer season.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children over the age of 1 learn to swim, an important milestone to note considering drowning is more common among children ages 1 to 4. While learning to swim is an important life-saving skill, it also teaches children how to be confident and have fun safely in the water.

“Keeping children and their families safe is our priority," said Rowdy Gaines, U.S. Olympic Champion and Vice President of Partnerships and Development at PHTA who leads the Step Into Swim initiative. “Swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among small children, and signing up ahead of time is the first step to prepare for a safe summer in the water."

As families plan their return to summer activities, it is critical they enact layers of protection around water, educate their children about pool safety, and sign up for swim lessons. For those who experience warm weather earlier in the year, such as southern states across the U.S., the time is now to take advantage of local lean-to-swim programs. Whether families have a pool in their backyard, venture to the community pool, or visit the beach, learn-to-swim programming is a smart step to become a stronger, safer, and more confident swimmer no matter the setting.

Step Into Swim offers important information on how to find swim classes and protect children around the water.

Check swimming pools in your area (parks and recreation centers, YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, U.S. Swim School Association, etc.) to find available learn-to-swim programs. Look for programs taught by qualified instructors and find age-appropriate classes, such as baby or toddler-specific lessons, depending on what level of support your child needs.
Register ahead of time. Not all pools have year-round swim lessons. Check schedules and sign up in advanced, as many classes fill up quickly when summer approaches.
Talk with children about the importance of water safety. Safety education doesn't end once a child comes home from a swim lesson.
Put layers of protection in place. While enrolling children is swim lessons is one best practice, parents can also limit pool access with locks or gates, keep toys away from the water, supervise children, and play safe water games.

For more resources and information, visit www.StepIntoSwim.org.

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