Doctors: OK to Teach Toddlers to Swim

HOUSTON - The largest group of doctors is finally changing its tune when it comes to teaching toddlers how to swim.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has always recommended swim lessons for children ages four and older but now says it's open to classes for younger kids, too.

New evidence shows children ages one to four may be less likely to drown if they've had lessons.

Infant Swimming Resource, a program that teaches kids ages six month to six years old how to survive in the water, is commending the decision.

"We think this is a vital step in keeping more kids safe and to keep them from drowning," said Lenie Stroh, a certified ISR instructor who teaches in the Clear Lake area.

AAP had worried swim lessons would give kids a false sense of security. There was also concern parents would become less vigilant about watching a child who had learned some swimming skills.

"His confidence level is very high. We'll let him swim across the pool by himself, but there's always an adult within reach," said Araceli Merkle, a mother of a three-year-old ISR student.

AAP isn't recommending all children one to four get lessons. Doctors recommend parents take into consideration how often their kids are exposed to water and whether their development is on track.