When Should You Start Learning to Swim?

Swimming is an essential life skill that can provide numerous benefits, including improved fitness, stress relief, and water safety. In Singapore, where swimming is a popular pastime, many parents wonder when they should start their children in swimming lessons. In this blog, we’ll explore when is the right time to start learning to swim in Singapore.

According to the Singapore Sports Council, children can start learning to swim from as young as six months old. At this age, they can participate in parent-child aqua programs, which focus on water familiarization and basic water safety skills. These programs are designed to help young children become comfortable in the water and develop early motor skills.

For children aged four years and above, the Singapore Sports Council recommends enrolling them in Learn-to-Swim programs. These programs are designed to teach children basic swimming skills, including floating, kicking, and arm strokes. They also teach water safety skills, such as how to recognize hazards in the water and how to stay safe in the pool.

In Singapore, swimming is also an important part of the physical education curriculum in primary and secondary schools. Students in these schools receive regular swimming lessons as part of their physical education program. This means that even if parents do not enroll their children in swimming lessons outside of school, they will still receive instruction in swimming and water safety.

For adults, it is never too late to start learning to swim. Many swimming schools and community centers in Singapore offer adult swimming lessons, which cater to individuals of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced swimmers. These lessons can help adults develop their swimming technique, improve their fitness, and gain water safety skills.

In conclusion, the right time to start learning to swim in Singapore depends on the individual’s age and skill level. Children can start learning basic water safety skills from as young as six months old, while Learn-to-Swim programs are recommended for children aged four and above. Swimming is also an important part of the physical education curriculum in Singaporean schools. For adults, there are many options available for swimming lessons, which can help them improve their swimming skills and gain water safety knowledge.