At Miller Swim School, we believe that swimming should be a year-round activity for infants and children of all ages. Our infant swim programs begin at 4 months of age and foster parent and child bonding while teaching foundational water safety skills and education.
While you may be hesitant to enroll your child in swim lessons before they’re able to walk, there are so many benefits to early swimming instruction. For starters, swimming lessons can reduce the risk of accidental childhood drowning by 88%. Since drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children under 4, providing opportunities for your child to learn water safety is imperative.
Early education also makes it easy to give your child a positive experience with swimming. Children who get their feet wet early in life tend to have less fear and apprehension around water. Swimming improves confidence in other ways, too. Infant and toddler swim classes include water play, fun songs and close contact with mom, dad or another trusted caregiver. These elements, plus the joy of learning a new skill, create a supportive and social group environment that fosters self-confidence.
When should my toddler or baby start swimming lessons?
Infants as young as 4 months old can benefit from group swimming lessons! Miller’s infant and toddler swim classes are designed for kids ages 4 months to 3 years old. In our ParentTot classes you’ll be in the pool with your child to support, soothe and cheer them on the entire time.
When your child is ready for some independence (ages 2 years and up), our Toddler Transition class offers a supportive learn-to-swim experience with our attentive instructors, while parents watch from our lobby viewing area.
What are Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) lessons?
We are sometimes asked what ISR lessons are and if we teach infant self rescue. While water safety skills are our first priority for all swimmers, our curriculum does not include the ISR philosophy. We believe swimmers need to develop swim skills that not only allow them to float, but also move themselves to safety as confident, efficient swimmers. Having a correct, efficient swim stroke enables swimmers to move themselves out of potentially dangerous situations.
The ISR philosophy promotes “self-rescue” swimming skills with various methods of instruction based on the child’s age. For example, survival swimming for babies might include learning how to roll onto their backs to rest through repeated exposure of being forced underwater. While we can all agree that learning to float is an important water safety skill, we differ in our approach to teaching, and experts have yet to prove that the ISR method is a more effective teaching approach.
Our philosophy in teaching water safety skills includes an environment where all swimmers learn to love and respect the water while learning fundamental swim skills. At Miller, we believe that you can’t effectively teach traumatized kiddos who fear water. When thinking about ISR and other toddler survival swimming programs, we urge you to do extensive research to determine if they are the right fit for your family.
Our Water Safety Curriculum
When it comes to choosing swimming lessons for your children, we know you have plenty of options. We also know exactly what young swimmers and their families need to have the best experience possible. Our warm water pools and small class sizes help Miller stand out, but it’s our proven curriculum that ensures your child learns new skills while having a blast.
The lesson plans we use were developed by a team of experienced and passionate world-class swimmers. From infancy to toddlerhood and beyond, our progressive curriculum empowers your child to become a stronger swimmer.
For students 4 months to 3 years. Babies and their parents work together to develop the foundational skills crucial for learning to swim and promote safety in the water. Classes have a student-to-teacher ratio of up to 6 parent/student combos to 1 instructor. Parents, don’t forget your swimsuit! A parent must get in the water.
For students 4 months to 3 years who have accomplished the skills in our ParentTot I program. Babies and toddlers and their parents work together to develop the beginning swimming skills crucial for learning strokes and promote safety in the water. Classes have a student-to-teacher ratio of up to 6 parent/student combos to 1 instructor. Parents, don’t forget your swimsuit! A parent must get in the water.
For students ages 2 to 3 years. Class focuses on fundamental swimming and safety skills while learning how to safely be a part of a group class. Classes typically have up to 3 students to 1 instructor.
For students ages 2 to 3 years who have accomplished the skills in our Toddler Transition I program. Class focuses on fundamental swimming and safety skills while learning how to safely be a part of a group class. In this class, swimmers must be completely independent of the parent. Classes typically have up to 3 students to 1 instructor.
Private lessons are available for all skill levels and are a great option for those looking to progress or refine skills quickly. Classes are scheduled on a weekly, ongoing basis.
Semi-private lessons are available for all skill levels and are a great option for siblings or friends to be in the same class. Classes are scheduled on a weekly, ongoing basis.
