You’ve just booked a sunny holiday for the whole family, and you and the kids can’t wait! The weather looks perfect, and there’s a beach nearby, lots of delicious restaurants, and even a pool! But this gets you thinking, will my toddler be safe by the pool? Should they be learning how to swim in preparation?

The answers to all of your burning questions are coming up.

Firstly, at what age is my toddler ready for swimming lessons?

Most children won’t be ready for formal swimming lessons until they reach the age of 4. However, you’ll generally find that most leisure centres and pools offer toddler and parent classes that are great fun and help you introduce your kids to the concept of swimming. They’ll quickly build confidence and love jumping and splashing all over the place.

We recommend that you take advantage of these classes to help your child feel safe in and around water as soon as possible.

But why is it important for my child to feel confident and safe around water?

Children must learn to swim at some point to prevent their getting into any accidents later in life. It is thought that the sooner they are introduced to water, the better, as they’ll be happier when the time comes to start real swimming lessons.

Now, while it’s all well and good to get your child acquainted with water, it’s important that you follow a few safety guidelines to ensure they’re always safe around baths, pools, lakes, the sea, and any other bodies of water.

How can I keep my child safe around water?

Teach your child rule number 1. Rule number 1 is that “You must always be with an adult when there is water about.” This goes for pools and lakes, but also baths and paddling pools. You should also regularly let your child know not to run where there is water, as it’s easy to slip.

Never leave a toddler unsupervised by any water. Besides pools and the seaside, this also goes for baths, sinks, and even the toilet. If you aren’t in the bathroom with them, keep toilet lids shut and shower doors and curtains closed.

Never fill a bath and walk away. Even if your toddler is in another room, you mustn’t leave a tub filled with water.

Never fill a bath higher than your toddler’s waist when they’re sitting down. This is the safest way for your little one to have a bath. But remember, even with as little water as this, you mustn’t leave them unattended.

Make sure to get a suction bath mat to avoid slips and falls. It will also help to enforce a no standing in the bath rule.

Store all electrical appliances away from baths and sinks. This will help to prevent electrocution. This includes hairdryers and toothbrush chargers.

Don’t fill paddling pools higher than your child’s knees and never leave them unattended. We recommend you get any toys, towels, sun cream, and snacks ready and bring them outside before you fill the pool, so you don’t need to head back inside until you’re all finished.

Don’t rely on lifeguards, and be diligent. Whether you’re at a pool, by a beach, near a pond, or visiting a lake, you must always keep an eye on your child. Water requires vigilance.

Should I get my toddler swimming lessons?

Unii makes the case for getting your child proper lessons. Take our Introduction to Swimming Journey.