Water safety: beyond the pool

The pool is not the only aquatic environment our children are exposed to in the summer.  We have to be cautious anywhere a child could potentially drown and take precautions to prevent accidents.  My goal is not to scare your family away from the water, just shed some light on some hazards.   Let's take a look at the obvious and not so obvious situations.

Private lessons v. group lessons

As you decide to sign up for swimming lessons, you may have to decide whether to sign up your child in group lessons (3-6 children) or private lessons.  Both are great options.  I'll go over the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Swimmer's ear prevention

*DISCLAIMER:I am not a medical professional.  I am writing about personal experiences and from years in the water.  If you suspect that you or your child has swimmers ear, please seek professional care.  

If you've ever had swimmers ear, you know how painful it can be.  You also know that it's something you don't want your child to get this summer.  If you are lucky enough to have escaped getting swimmers ear, read on.

Age ranges of swimming skills

Just as children grow and learn to walk, speak, and read, there is a wide age range of ability to swimming. There is also somewhat of an order to learning to swim.  Learning to swim can be affected by a child's temperament, gross motor skills, and opportunities to be in the water.

I've been compiling a list of skills that are appropriate for certain age ranges.  These skills build upon each other.  Take a look and see what your child can do and what his next steps may be. Remember, this is just a rough range.  I've seen kids move faster and slower through these skills.