Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death in U.S. children ages 1 to 4, and the third-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in kids ages 5 to 19, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In its newest water safety guidelines, the AAP recommend children start swimming lessons around age 1 to help decrease risks of drowning. Executive Director of the USA Swimming Foundation cites that formal lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent.”
Young children can learn to blow bubbles, kick, and eventually learn to roll over and float on their back, which can help build their confidence in the water and serve as building blocks to future aquatic skills. Source: Washington Post