When did you learn to swim?

Brooklyn playing with her toes - She has just discovered them, sice we live in Canada it has been cold so far so she's not really undressed a whole lot. I can't wait to take her outside in little shorts and hats!
@sunup13 (420)
Canada
April 6, 2007 6:59am CST
My daughter will be 6-9 months old this summer and I am so excited to play with her outside and take her to the beach, etc. I bought her a cute one piece Pooh bathing suit and I am thinking about trying to teach her how to swim. I heard that the earlier you learn how, the easier it is. I myself swam until I was six and then almost drowned so I never really swam again after that. Her father though is a swimmer and he wants her to learn early too. At what age did you teach your children how to swim and did you do it yourself or take them to a professional?
3 people like this
9 responses
sunniek
@sunniek (286)
• China
24 Apr 07
i can't swim till now,i'm scared of water.i've tried several times to learn to swim,but failed.i can't go over the scaring.
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sunup13
@sunup13 (420)
• Canada
24 Apr 07
I hear ya! I have tried several times as well since I was young and just can't seem to figure it out, plus I am scared of giving up the control of standing!
wvclaylady
@wvclaylady (45)
• United States
18 Apr 07
Brooklyn is so sweet! I think you're right to want to teach her to swim at an early age. It's amazing how well babies learn things! I was forced to learn when I was in the 4th grade. It was a school requirement, but I didn't really learn. I was already afraid of the water, and my teacher traumatized me by making me jump into the deep water when I didn't want to. So, I am not a very good swimmer to this day, and always want my feet to touch bottom. Since babies are not really afraid of things like that, it is a great idea to teach them before they are 3 or so. And, if your husband is a good swimmer, he should be a fine teacher for her, especially since she already trusts him. Good luck with it!
1 person likes this
sunup13
@sunup13 (420)
• Canada
18 Apr 07
Thanks! She has been learning things so easily so far, I hope swimming will be easy for her as well. I agree that as we get older, even as kids, we over think things and get fearful. I want to teach her lots of things before she gets scared, I would love for her to be well rounded.
sarah22
@sarah22 (3979)
• United States
6 Apr 07
i learnt when i was very young, 5 years old and i then was in the swimming team until the end of my school years. i loved it and now am teaching my 3 year old and 7 year old
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sunup13
@sunup13 (420)
• Canada
6 Apr 07
Great! I would have loved to be able to swim as well as you. Good luck teaching the little ones.
brurib
@brurib (1527)
• United States
6 Apr 07
i can swim, i think its very import that children learn to swin when them are young its more easy!
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sunup13
@sunup13 (420)
• Canada
6 Apr 07
Thank you for replying. I do as well. It is something I regret not being able to do. Maybe I will take lessons with her!
kming52
@kming52 (280)
• China
10 Apr 07
I learnt swimming when I was about 11years old.I just learnt it in a natural pool wtihout a professional's guide.I just learnt it by myself in imitaing other guys.It's unbelieveable ,but it's ture.
1 person likes this
sunup13
@sunup13 (420)
• Canada
10 Apr 07
Wow kming, good job. Its amazing the things kids can do when they put their minds to it. They usually seem to think that they are immortal and this definitely works in their favor.
4cuteboys
@4cuteboys (4099)
• United States
6 Apr 07
My oldest son started taking swimming lessons at the age of 6, more so he could just get comfortable with the water, because he is very nervous about it. I havent started with any of my younger children yet. My 5 year old is next in line though, probably will sign him up for a months worth of lessons in May!
1 person likes this
sunup13
@sunup13 (420)
• Canada
6 Apr 07
Four or five is when I learned as well. I think it is a good age, they are still curious and playful enough and also confident that they can do anything. Thanks for the reply!
vamisola
@vamisola (905)
• Australia
21 Apr 07
i learn swimming when i was 10 years old.
1 person likes this
natalie1981
@natalie1981 (1995)
• Singapore
24 Apr 07
I wish my mom would've taught of teaching me how to swim coz for the life of me, I still don't know how. I mean, I could float and all but I'm too darn scared to try it out in the really deep part of the water and technically I could swim if you call flapping your arms like crazy and moving about 5 to ten inches forward, swimming. LOL. But my brother taught his children to swim at around 3 or 4 and whenever we're all out swimming, I'd envy them!
Aphroditei_5279
@Aphroditei_5279 (2465)
• Philippines
19 Apr 07
You can also buy her a pair of arm floaters. Even if she doesn't know yet how to swim. You can hold her easily around the pool. My daughter was less than one when she learned how to swim, with floaters of course. But she was so cute swimming around, with only her feet working. And she wasn't scared because the floaters kept her head at a good height above water. Happy swimming! And the mommy and me class, very good suggestion too. (^^,)
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