Hi Everyone:wave:
I just wanted to get everyone's opinion on whether or not it is a good idea or a waste of time to get swimming lessons for a 22 month old. I have heard that it will be a waste of time and he won't retain any of it but I don't see how it could be a waste of time.

My husband and I have been certified life guards and are born swimmers. We introduced our son to the water early.. but at four we still have not gotten him "swimming lessons", but by the end of this summer he will know how to swim. He is mature enough to learn and work to such a goal. At 2 my son was more interested in play than lesson time in a pool. This is to be expected.

Each child is different though.. I would see how your child reacts to the water and get a few items like a swim vest, floaties (on the arms), kick board, and the float noodles. Get them happy and calm in the water then work on kicking and movement in the water. When they are motoring about at a good dog paddle and such.. they are ready to learn to swim.

Sincerely,
MG

My son absolutley LOVES the water, he isn't afraid of it at all and that worries me a little bit since we are always out on the boat or at the beach. Also my neighbor is getting a pool put in and my son will always want to be in it. When he is in the bath tub I tell him to swim and he kicks his feet and he'll blow bubbles in the water with his mouth. Thanks for all your input.

DS is 32 mths old and we introduced him to water at 8mths. When he was around 20mths we got him floaties for the arms and he would float in the water but not kick his legs. This summer he is now 32 mths and with floaties he kicks his legs and can stay and move around in the water very well. I have still not introuced him to a swim class though i wonder if he is ready for one. These days at the pool he wants to put his head in the water but i dont know how to make him do it. People tell me kids will figure it out themselves. I too am wondering if i should put him in a class..is he ready? He still likes to play in the water most of the time.

I didn't put my kids into lessons until they were about grade 2 or so. Most usually go in much earlier. However, they took several levels a year and away they went. I can't imagine paying $$ for lessons when they are so young.

Take them to the pool, beach, whatever and let them play :)

Living on the ocean my sons needed to learn to swim. Are local YMCA has a mom and tot swim class that starts at 5 months of age. Both my sons went with mom (me) getting in with them. It got them comfortable being in the water they enjoyed it.At 9 months they started beginner lessons. By 18 months old they both could swim like a fish!
Many children can and do learn to swim at a young age. They enjoy it and its great for them. I suggest you try it.