Four is a good age to sign up your little tadpole for swimming lessons without parents, say the experts. By this age he has the ability to learn water safety skills and swim on his own. Shelley Dalke, water safety coordinator for the Canadian Red Cross in western Canada, advises parents to look for the following in a swim program.
• An emphasis on injury prevention. Kids need to learn how to behave safely in, on and around the water at an early age.
• Lots of activity and fun. At this age, kids learn best through games and activities.
• Proper supervision by certified instructors. There should be one instructor for every four children aged four to five, and one for every six to eight children aged six and seven.
• A safe environment. There should be adequate barriers around the pool, clear water (you should be able to see the bottom), slip-resistant decks and clean change rooms.
