Skokie, IL 
When to Start Swim Lessons in Downtown Chicago: The Earlier the Better!
Water safety should be top-of-mind for every family planning to take part in the water-related recreational activities in and around Chicago—from the Great Lakes and nearby rivers, to inland lakes and local pools! Safety experts encourage children to learn how to swim but many parents are unsure of when to start swim lessons. Put simply: the earlier the better!
Children develop at different rates and not all children will be ready to learn to swim at exactly the same age. While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends all children age 4 and older partake in formal swim lessons, their newest guidelines recommend children start swim lessons around age 1 to help decrease risks of drowning. Parent-assisted classes early in life help to develop a healthy respect for water, introduce good water safety habits and build swim readiness skills.
At British Swim School of Downtown Chicago, children can enroll in water acclimation and beginner water survival classes as early as 3 months old. With a nurturing educational environment, gentle teaching methods and a survival-first focus, children learn to love the water while developing the skills needed to save themselves in the event of an emergency.
For children under 3 years old, parent or guardian participation is required in our parent-assisted under 3’s program. During these classes, children become acclimated to the water and are introduced to water survival techniques, such as the ability to roll over onto the back to float. Back floating enables swimmers to rest, call for help if necessary, and advert the “silent” danger of floating face down in the water and drowning. Once a foundation of survival skills has been achieved, swimmers progress onto group lessons independent from the caregiver!
Once your child reaches 3 to 4 years old, they can start taking group lessons with independence from parents in the water. Children are placed into classes based on age and ability and will always be taught water survival skills first before progressing onto proficient stroke techniques!
Children are Safest When They Start Swim Lessons Early
With so many water-based activities surrounding the greater Chicago area, it’s critical for children to begin learning the fundamentals of water safety early in life. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children and studies show that formal swim lessons, such as those offered by British Swim School, can reduce the likelihood of childhood drownings by as much as 88%. Knowing how to respond in the event of an emergency can save lives!
“I can definitely see my 2-year-old daughter learning more and more with every lesson. The instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, focused on water survival and keep me informed along the way. I am so glad we found British Swim School.” – Lindsey F.
Ready to Start Swim Lessons?
With nearly 40 years of experience, British Swim School is the premier learn to swim program in Downtown Chicago. Our swim schools attract families from Downtown Chicago, Chicago Loop, Skokie, Evanston, Hyde Park, Rogers Park, Southlake and the surrounding communities!
Don’t delay! Contact our locally based team in Downtown Chicago to get started today!
Contact Us:
Call: (708) 613-5179
Email: GoSwim@BSSChicago.com
