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Some kids are just born little swimmers, while others are petrified of the water from day one. But no matter how your child feels, knowing how to swim is an essential life skill. Read on for expert advice to help kids learn to love swimming and be comfortable in the water -- whether they're wading into the baby pool or diving into the deep end.
A parent-child swimming class in a warm pool is a great way to start -- though the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until your baby is at least 6 months old before introducing her to the water. “You can introduce kids to the feel of their bodies in the water and show them it’s fun,” says B.J. Fisher, Health and Safety Director of the American Lifeguard Association (ALA). And you may get a lot out of the classes, too. “Early childhood classes help parents learn how swimming skills develop, how to properly hold a baby in the water, how to help them get in and out of a pool safely and how to supervise their children in the water as they grow,” adds Connie Harvey, an American Red Cross Health and Safety Expert.
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