The benefits of teaching kids to swim

Laura Molloy, founder of Swimbabes, one of the UK's leading providers of baby swim classes, explains why she thinks every baby should learn to swim in order to equip them with vital survival skills that will stay with them for life

Introducing babies to water from an early age helps avoid the traumatic experience that older children sometimes suffer around water.

Babies who learn key life saving skills from an early age have a much greater regard for water and are safer around it - and many can swim by as young as two years old. Water confidence and the ability to swim from a young age is certainly a gift for life which opens the door to enjoy a wide range of water based activities, from diving and sailing to lifeguarding and waterskiing.

A natural environment

Babies have a natural affinity with the water. They become totally liberated as water is a free environment for them. We all have an inborn 'gag reflex' but it is generally strongest in babies up to six months old; this gag reflex enables babies to hold their breath underwater naturally and provides a gentle introduction to submersion.

Babies also have primitive swimming stroke actions up to six months of age and can propel themselves through the water easily.

Baby swim classes should build upon babies' natural reflexes and enable your baby to be completely happy moving in and through the water. Introducing babies to swimming aids improves babies and children's physical, emotional and social development and enhances their intellect and language skills.