Watch: Lulu’s Safety Turns
Safety turns help babies reach the pool’s edge if they fall in—a skill aligned with Kids Alive Do the 5’s third pillar: Teach Your Child to Swim. This video shows 16-month-old Lulu mastering the move through patient, play-based practice.
Swimming provides a unique opportunity to have quality time together as a family. Swimming is fantastic for social, emotional and physical development. Physical activity is essential for a healthy and happy body and mindset. Combing formal swimming lessons with regular opportunities for water play will not only build children’s confidence but it will enhance the speed of their progress. Remember, for babies, toddlers and children to rapidly progress their swimming ability, they need regular exposure to the water. Ideally families should attend the swimming pool a minimum of 2 sessions per week. If you are just starting out with learning to swim you may even consider visiting the swimming pool every day for a week. This will really kick start your learning.
Why This Works
There’s no better way to create lifelong memories than sharing quality time together as a family in the water. Swimming isn’t just fun—it’s a powerhouse for social, emotional, and physical development, helping kids build resilience, coordination, and joy in movement. Regular physical activity like swimming is essential for nurturing a healthy body and positive mindset, and when combined with playful learning, it becomes a recipe for rapid progress.
To maximize your child’s swimming journey, pair formal swimming lessons (like those shown in this step-by-step Swim Class for Babies) with unstructured water play. This dynamic duo accelerates skill-building while keeping the experience joyful. For example, games like those in Shallow Water Exploration build independence, while Family Swim Lessons turn practice into bonding time.
Consistency is key! For babies and toddlers to thrive, aim for at least two pool sessions weekly. If you’re new to swimming, consider a “Splash Bootcamp”—visit the pool daily for a week (as seen in Baby Swimming Basics) to kickstart confidence and skill retention.
Pro Tip: Blend structured learning with creativity! Use Baby Swim Songs to make drills playful, or try Advanced Swim Training for toddlers ready to level up.
Next Skill: Advanced Baby Swim Training