Babies take naturally to water, having spent their first nine months in a liquid environment. Swimming is one of the best all-around exercises, strengthening heart and lungs, improving circulation and respiration, and stimulating the appetite.
Babies take naturally to water, having spent their first nine months in a liquid environment. Swimming is one of the best all-around exercises, strengthening heart and lungs, improving circulation and respiration, and stimulating the appetite.
Young babies instinctively hold their breaths and make reflex "swimming" movements. However, very young babies should be protected against water-borne infections, as immune systems are not yet developed.
Children progress at their own pace, but if introduced in the first year, most swim unaided by about three. With regular practice, patience and affection, your child will learn trust and confidence in the water, and enjoy and benefit from swimming.
BATHING TOGETHER Getting used to water at home
Bathing together is great fun, and a good prelude to swimming. Water should be soap-free and at body temperature. If babies show any distress, feeding whilst talking soothingly should calm them.
AT THE POOL
Being able to swim can save your life. These techniques, taught by the Amateur Swimming Association, are best practised as an enjoyable game.
Remember -- never leave a child alone around water, and always respect his or her limits.
Ready steady go
Once babies are used to underwater, they are less likely to gasp and swallow water when splashed or submerged accidentally. Progress gradually, step by step
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Learning to float
When baby can relax without lifting head or limbs, floating soon follows, giving added confidence and relaxing body and mind.
Building up to swimming
Kicking, stretching arms, and staying horizontal are patterns needed to swim. With confidence, relaxation and your patience, children soon move on from "baby paddle" to more advanced strokes.
Exploring underwater
Have your child take a deep breath and aim for a nearby focal point. It takes strong thrusts to remain underwater. Stay close as he or she reaches the goal and surfaces.
Jumping in and getting out
Most children love to jump into water. These safe and easy techniques are also very helpful if the child is accidentally pushed or falls in.
WATER EMERGENCIES
Resuscitation & cardiac massage
Never leave children, even swimmers, alone near water. In case of accidents, act immediately. Remove any obstruction from the mouth. Try to get air into lungs, pushing the chin up if the tongue blocks air passages. If the abdomen rises, air is reaching the stomach, not the lungs pull the jaw further forward and arch the neck. After resuscitation, always take the child to hospital. Do not bend or turn the neck after a fall or dive into shallow water, as there may be injury.
Cardiac massage
Done only if there is no sign of heartbeat. Laying the child flat, combine external heart massage with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Ideally done by two people. Technique is best learned from an expert.
Caution: never perform heart massage with even slight evidence of a pulse.
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Childhood to Adolescence 
Babies take naturally to water, having spent their first nine months in a liquid environment. Swimming is one of the best all-around exercises, strengthening heart and lungs, improving circulation and respiration, and stimulating the appetite.
Bathing together is great fun, and a good prelude to swimming. Water should be soap-free and at body temperature. If babies show any distress, feeding whilst talking soothingly should calm them.
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