The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently released updated guidance on drowning prevention in children, reinforcing something families and swim educators have known for years: swim lessons save lives, and water safety starts early.
The updated recommendations encourage aquatic experiences for infants with a parent and swim lessons beginning after a child’s first birthday. The guidance also emphasizes that water competency develops over time through consistent lessons, parent involvement, and continued practice as children grow.
At AquaWave Swim School, these principles are built into every lesson we teach.
For years, AquaWave has helped children build confidence, essential water safety skills, and lifelong comfort in the water through progressive, milestone-based instruction designed to support steady growth over time.
“The updated AAP guidance reinforces what we’ve always believed – learning to swim is not a one-time milestone. It’s a lifelong safety skill built through consistency, repetition, and family involvement,” said Ashley Sheetz, CEO. “Every child deserves the opportunity to build confidence and safer skills around water in a supportive environment.”
The updated AAP guidance highlights several important points that align closely with our approach to swim instruction:
• Parent participation and education matter
• Swim competency requires ongoing lessons and practice
• Children benefit from progressive skill development
• Water safety should include survival skills and confidence in different aquatic environments
• Life jacket awareness and layered drowning prevention are critical
At AquaWave, our programs are designed to help children progress through each stage of learning in a safe, encouraging environment. From beginner swimmers building comfort in the water to advanced swimmers strengthening technique and endurance, every lesson focuses on helping children become safer, stronger, and more confident.
The AAP also reinforced that “water competency is a family affair.” That’s why our instructors partner closely with parents throughout the learning process, helping families understand progress, reinforce safety habits, and support children both during lessons and outside the pool.
One of the most important takeaways from the updated guidance is that swim skills are not learned in just one season. As children grow and experience new aquatic environments like pools, lakes, beaches, and water parks, continued instruction and refresher lessons help strengthen skills and confidence over time.
While no child is ever considered drown-proof, quality swim lessons can play a critical role in helping children build safer behaviors, stronger swim skills, and confidence around water.
With summer here and families spending more time around water, there’s never been a better time to prioritize swim lessons.
Ready to help your child build confidence and life-saving water safety skills? Explore classes, lesson options, and seasonal clinics available at AquaWave today.
