By Goldfish Swim School, Feb 2025
According to the CDC, drowning remains the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4. However, formal swim lessons significantly reduce the risk by as much as 88%, as the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reported. The earlier a child is introduced to the water, the more confident and comfortable they become. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting swim lessons as early as one year old to establish a strong foundation in water safety.
Essential Water Safety Skills
Swim lessons provide more than just an opportunity for fun — they teach life-saving skills. Floating, treading water, and practicing self-rescue techniques are fundamental for water safety. Goldfish Swim School’s Science of SwimPlay curriculum integrates guided play with critical skill development, reinforcing muscle memory and ensuring children learn through repetition.
Key safety techniques include:
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- Turning Back to the Wall
Instead of swimming toward the first visible edge, children are taught to turn and return to where they entered the water. - Elbow, Elbow, Tummy, Knee
A method used to help children climb out of the pool independently. - Wall Hold & Crab Walk
Strengthening grip to help swimmers move along the pool’s edge safely. - Back Floating & Treading Water
Teach children how to remain afloat and breathe if they are distressed.
- Turning Back to the Wall
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Additional Benefits of Swim Lessons
Beyond safety, swimming offers full-body exercise, enhancing strength, coordination, and overall fitness. Swim lessons also foster social skills, allowing children to engage with peers while learning an essential life skill.
Goldfish Swim School’s perpetual lesson model ensures that children maintain continuous progress year-round, preventing skill regression and reinforcing water readiness. Increased confidence in the water leads to greater peace of mind, whether at home, on vacation, or around any aquatic environment.
Drowning Prevention Requires Action
Drowning rates have risen, but these tragedies are preventable. Swim lessons can help reverse this trend by equipping children with essential safety skills. Water safety is a collective responsibility, and consistent education is key.
Through structured lessons, children gain the tools to navigate the water safely, building confidence and resilience along the way. Goldfish Swim School remains committed to fostering a love for swimming while ensuring every child is prepared for real-world water experiences.
New to Goldfish Swim School?
See them in person. Schedule a tour or sign up for a free trial lesson at your preferred location, including:
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- Alexandria, VA
3155-B Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 348-3261 - Falls Church, VA
7395 Route 29, Ste. K, Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 348-3261 - Reston, VA
12340 Pinecrest Rd., Reston, VA 20191
(703) 348-3261
- Alexandria, VA
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