The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently released updated guidance on drowning prevention in children, reinforcing a message that parents, pediatricians, and swim educators increasingly agree on: learning to swim is a critical life skill, and water safety education should begin early and continue throughout childhood.
The updated recommendations encourage aquatic experiences for infants with a parent and swim lessons beginning after a child’s first birthday. The guidance also highlights the importance of ongoing instruction, family involvement, and continued practice as children grow and encounter new aquatic environments.
At NJ Swim, these principles have guided our approach to swim instruction for decades.
Water Competency Is Built Over Time
One of the most important takeaways from the AAP’s updated guidance is that water competency is not achieved through a single lesson, a single season, or a one-time swim program.
Children develop water safety skills gradually through consistent instruction, practice, and reinforcement over time.
The AAP specifically notes that children may need refresher lessons as they grow and encounter different aquatic environments such as pools, lakes, beaches, and water parks. Skills learned at age four may need additional reinforcement at age seven, and abilities demonstrated in a familiar pool may not automatically transfer to open water situations.
At NJ Swim, our year-round lesson program is designed around this reality. Through progressive instruction and skill development, children continue building confidence and competency at every stage of their swimming journey.
Parents Play a Critical Role in Water Safety
The updated guidance also emphasizes that water competency is a family responsibility.
The AAP highlights the importance of parent education and engagement throughout the learning process, recognizing that children learn best when swim instruction is supported by safe habits and consistent expectations outside of lessons.
At NJ Swim, we believe parents are essential partners in a child’s success. Our instructors work closely with families to celebrate progress, reinforce safety concepts, and help parents understand the next steps in their child’s development.
When families and instructors work together, children gain confidence faster and develop stronger, safer habits around water.
Swim Lessons Are About More Than Learning Strokes
Many parents initially enroll their children in swim lessons to prepare for summer activities or an upcoming vacation. While those are great reasons to start, the benefits of swim lessons extend far beyond learning how to move through the water.
The AAP’s guidance reinforces the importance of developing comprehensive water competency, including:
A Lifelong Skill That Can Make a Difference
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death among children, making water safety education more important than ever.
While no swim program can make a child drown-proof, consistent, high-quality swim instruction can help children build the confidence, skills, and safer behaviors that reduce risk and support safer experiences around water.
“The updated AAP guidance reinforces what we’ve long believed at NJ Swim: swimming is a life skill, not a seasonal activity,” said Ashley Sheetz, CEO. “Children build stronger confidence and safer habits when swim lessons are viewed as an ongoing part of their development rather than a short-term activity.”
Start Building Water Confidence Today
Whether your child is just beginning their swim journey or continuing to strengthen existing skills, consistent instruction can help them build confidence that lasts far beyond a single season.
At NJ Swim, we’re proud to help families develop strong swimmers, safer habits, and a lifelong love of the water.
Ready to get started? Explore our year-round swim lesson programs and discover why families across New Jersey trust NJ Swim to help their children build confidence, competence, and safety in the water.
