Swim Lessons: When To Start & What Louisiana Parents Should Know

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning incidents claim the lives of more than 3,900 people every year in the U.S. alone. Learning to swim as an adult will give you more confidence around water. There are great health benefits to swimming as it is 100% cardio. You can also incorporate swimming into your fitness routine.

Healthychildren.org says that swimming is the best first sport for kids. Experts say swimming fuels brain health, improves coordination and flexibility, and builds strong bodies.

WHY TEACHING YOUNG CHILDREN TO SWIM IS IMPORTANT

Children are naturally fascinated with water because, let's not forget, we form in our mother's womb surrounded by water. Water is stimulating and fun, but it is also dangerous. Children ages 1-4 die from drowning more than any other cause of death. For children ages 5-14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death after car accidents, which is #1.

Break the cycle. Make sure your children know how to swim. If you don't know how to swim, take lessons with them and make it a fun family learning experience. Below is a list of SWLA locations that offer swimming lessons:

Dynamic Dimensions Fitness Center - 602 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy - Moss Bluff, LA - (337) 855-7708
Lake Area Adventures - 1337 Country Club Rd - Lake Charles, LA - (337) 310-1681
Our Lady Queen of Heaven Family Life Center - 3939 Kingston St - Lake Charles, LA - (337) 474-6814
Petite Swimmers ISR - Infant Swim Resource Classes - (337) 802-1141
Rec & Aquatic Center - Sulphur Parks and Recreation - 933 W Parish Rd - Sulphur, LA - (337) 527-2500
True Blue Watersports - 5959 Common St - Lake Charles, LA - (337) 310-1681
Swimsational Swim School - 878 N Beglis Pkwy - Sulphur, LA (337) 476-3076
Ward 3 Recreation Center - Power Center Pkwy - Lake Charles, LA - (337) 282-8463

The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that children ages 1 to 4 learn how to swim. Formal swimming lessons reduce the likelihood of drowning. Some kids start swimming lessons as early as 6 to 8 months (with a parent!)