The Importance of Swim Lessons for Kids

Military families are no strangers to frequent relocations and diverse locations. However, these new locations can present unique challenges, especially during the summer months. With safety and well-being at the forefront of parents’ minds, it is important that parents consider the one crucial summertime skill that transcends geographical boundaries: swimming. Learning to swim is not only recreational fun, but it is a vital life-saving skill that everyone should learn.

Family spoke with Navy spouse Rosemary O’Brien about this very thing. O’Brien is married to retired Lieutenant Commander Alan Alfonso, and he was most recently stationed at Naval Undersea Medical Institute (NUMI) in Groton, Connecticut. They have two adult children, Nick (24) and Alex (19).

Could you tell me about your experience with swim lessons for your children?

My sons, Nick and Alex, were 6 and 2 at the time. We lived near our family in Connecticut at that time (finally!) and with a life guard who was also a swim instructor intent on teaching safety in the water in the family, swim lessons for my sons and 4 of the cousins was not even up for debate! All the children were similar in age, too, with the oldest being 10. So, going to swim lessons was a group event.

Why do you believe swim lessons are so important?

We live in a city with a beach that spans a quarter of our border. Swimming is a crucial skill, especially in such an environment. Accidents can happen when playing near the beach or any other body of water, including pools. Swimmies can slip off, and having the ability to swim can be the difference between life and death. It’s essential for safety. It teaches so many valuable life lessons, too.

At what age do you feel parents should start looking into swim lessons for their children?

As early as possible! Swimming is an important life skill that, in my opinion, should be introduced to children at a young age. The earlier they start, the more comfortable and confident they become in the water. And while everyone may not have a pool or a beach nearby, most communities have city pools and offer swim lessons to children at a reasonable fee.

What are some life lessons your children have learned from taking swimming lessons?

There are several key lessons they’ve learned. First and foremost, they learned the importance of water safety. But not just for themselves, but for others as well. Plus, taking swim lessons at younger ages have taught them to be vigilant when they are around water. They learned the importance of responsibility when it comes to watching out for their friend’s safety, as well. Swim lessons really are a lesson in personal responsibility. The water can be unsafe if someone doesn’t have the training. Swim lessons take away the scariness of the water.

My boys are now 19 and 24, and their father, Alan, retired in 2009. Even though my kids are grown, the lessons they learned from those early swim classes have stayed with them. It was really one of the best parenting decisions. For any parents thinking about swim lessons, it’s never too early to start. It’s a valuable skill that provides peace of mind and ensures safety.