YEAR-ROUND SWIM LESSONS: Why Fall is the Best Time to Start

When it comes to ensuring the safety of young children, year-round swim lessons play a crucial role. Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children aged 1-4 years old. Shockingly, a staggering 70% of these incidents occur during non-swimming times—when we are least expecting it. In these moments, children are often not even dressed for swimming, and parents may let their guards down, mistakenly believing that drowning only happens in the summer months.

Why Year-Round Swim Lessons Matter

The fall and winter months are a critical time for maintaining and enhancing the skills children acquire in survival swim lessons. Many parents tend to pause swim lessons during the off-season, but this lapse can undermine the progress made during the summer sessions. Year-round maintenance lessons are essential for skill retention and ensuring that children remain prepared for unexpected water encounters. Here’s why swim lessons in the fall are crucial:

1. Skill Retention and Safety: Year-round swim lessons help reinforce the skills children need to self-rescue in aquatic emergencies. Consistency ensure that these skills remain fresh and effective. Without ongoing lessons, children may lose their proficiency, which can be dangerous in a water-related emergency.
2. Accidents Happen When You Least Expect It: As statistics show, nearly 70% of drowning incidents occur outside of designated swim times. Toddlers are naturally curious and mobile, and they often find their way to water sources when least expected. Keeping their swim skills sharp year-round means they are better prepared for these accidental encounters.
3. Layers of Protection: Swim lessons are one layer of protection. Other safety measures include self-closing, self-latching pool fences (4-sided, at least 4 feet high), pool covers, and vigilant supervision. Additionally, parents should discuss the importance of year-round water safety with their families and learn CPR.

Why Fall/Winter Is the Ideal Time for Swim Lessons

Choosing to enroll your child in swim lessons during the fall and winter has several benefits:

• Less Crowded Facilities: Fall and winter often mean fewer swimmers at swim facilities. This leads to more personalized attention and a better learning environment overall.
• Time Management: With just 15-minute lessons twice a week, swim lessons fit seamlessly into busy schedules, leaving ample time for other activities. It’s a small investment of time that provides a life-saving skill.
• Beat the Summer Rush: Starting lessons off-season helps you avoid the summer rush and secure spots in desirable classes. Children trained in cooler months are often more comfortable in the water by summer.

Parent Testimonials: Why Swim Lessons Are Worth It

Here’s what some parents have to say about their decision to continue swim lessons year-round with Oklahoma Swim Academy:

• “I only intended to do a summer-long float/swim course with my 4-year old, but he loved it so much we’re continuing with weekly lessons. Took him to the lake last weekend and felt at ease knowing he had the skills to stay afloat and swim!.” – Alden G.
• “We love our classes here… it helps me feel more confident having my kids at the pool.” – Katie R.
• “…we have loved our time at OSA! We’ve been advancing through levels for more than one year and have been so impressed with all the skills learned…” – Pamela D.
• “We have loved Oklahoma swim academy. When my daughter first started she was afraid to even put her ears in the water, but now she is able to swim across the pool. Not only could she save her own life if she fell in but she is an excited swimmer and loves to be in the pool now. The staff is very friendly and encouraging of her efforts.” – Katie.

Don’t Wait… Enroll in Swim Lessons Today!

When considering after-school activities for your child, remember that swim lessons offer unparalleled benefits, including life-saving skills and enhanced safety. By enrolling in swim lessons during the fall and winter, you ensure that your child remains prepared and protected year-round. Strong swimmers are made during these cooler months, so take advantage of this ideal time to invest in your child’s safety and well-being.

Learn more at www.OklahomaSwim.com and select the swim program that best fits your family’s needs!