Experts stress the importance of swim lessons for kids

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 4,000 people drown every year in the United States.

The CDC reports that the number of people who die by drowning has been on the rise in recent years. Drowning is also a leading cause of death for young kids.

Austin Moore works as a Swim Specialist at the Nir Family YMCA. He says swim lessons for young children are vital.

“In my opinion, there should be no drownings because every kid should have access to learn how to swim and then should continue to do it. It’s a lifelong pursuit to be around the water and continue working on those skills,” said Moore.

Moore works with swimmers of all ages and levels. However, he says it’s best to get children comfortable in the water at an early age.

“I am a big believer in swimming for youth, if you start them young, they will really have a head start on a really wonderful sport that can last a lifetime,” said Laura Sewell, whose toddler, named Becker, takes swim lessons at the YMCA twice a week.

Sewell says all of her seven children have taken swim lessons. She says it’s a skill she is thankful for.

“Some of my kids are really competitive with it. Some do it to help them build muscle and focus and attention. I think all of them do it for different reasons, but it benefits each one,” said Sewell.

Sewell says Becker has no fear of the water, but through swim lessons, he is learning about important boundaries to keep himself safe.

“He already knows how to swim, he knows how to roll over on his back to get a breath, he knows all those basic skills, and he knows how to climb out of the pool as well,” said Moore.

Moore says swim lessons can be challenging for some children and parents at first. However, staying consistent will pay off for the child.

“It’s really important for kids to be brought out of their comfort zone a little bit, and for the parents also to get more comfortable with their kid in challenging situations. Parents can’t always be there looking over their shoulder. The kid learning how to deal with a difficult situation can be really helpful for them later in life,” said Moore.

Getting a child comfortable in the water can start with floating and learning to blow bubbles.

More information on swim lessons can be found here.

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