In April 2000, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a statement that swimming lessons do not protect children younger than age 4 from drowning. Although swimming lessons for toddlers are a good way of introducing them to the water, toddlers are not developmentally ready until age 4 to learn how to swim properly and safely.

In addition, swimming lessons do not ensure that your child will be safe in the water, even for children older than age 4. Children who know how to swim still can drown just a few feet from safety because of confusion or fear.