Revised Scientific Review: Minimum Age for Swim Lessons

Authors

Stephen J. Langendorfer Ph.D., Bowling Green State University - Emeritus Professor, Developmental Aquatic KinesiologyFollow

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.10.04.09

Disciplines

Exercise Physiology | Exercise Science | Health and Physical Education | Kinesiology | Leisure Studies | Recreation Business | Sports Sciences | Sports Studies | Tourism and Travel

Abstract

The question addressed in the original scientific review (2009) was rephrased as Does sufficient scientific evidence exist to support setting a minimum age for swimming lessons? for this triennial review. Addressing the research question is significant because strong differences of opinion about the appropriate age(s) for initiating learn-to-swim lessons have existed among the pediatric medical profession, aquatic professionals and agencies, and proprietary programs and swim schools for over four decades. The question has implications for the appropriate purposes, pedagogies, and outcomes associated with swimming experiences for infants and young children that will be addressed in a subsequent review. The revised statement now supports as a guideline that children older than 1 year of age can benefit from swim lessons with a lower risk of drowning; parents should make their decision to enroll based upon individual child considerations as proposed in this review.

Recommended Citation

Langendorfer, Stephen J. Ph.D. (2019) "Revised Scientific Review: Minimum Age for Swim Lessons," International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education: Vol. 10: No. 4, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.10.04.09
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/ijare/vol10/iss4/2