It’s never too early to get your child used to the water and prepare them for a lifelong love of water sports. Getting your kids swimming should be a top priority for their safety. The earlier you can get your kids in the pool and enjoying the water, the faster they will learn and build skills. Children are not ready for any kind of water sport until they have mastered their swimming skills.
The age that you start to introduce your child to a variety of water sports is dependent on their individual skill and development. Balance, endurance and swimming skills need to be firmly in place and that will depend on each child.
Even if you are an expert in wake boarding and have all the safety equipment and the perfect Aerial wakeboarding tower, it doesn’t mean you should put your two-year-old on a wake board. Keep in mind the muscular and emotional development of your child before you start them in water sports too early.
Start Early
It’s never too early to get your baby used to play in the water. There are several infant swimming classes available to start their training. The younger your child is when you start them in swimming lessons, the less likely they are to develop fears about the water. When you get your kids in the water when they are young they are also more likely to develop basic water safety skills and a natural love for the water.
Variety
If you really want your child to be safe when they are in the water you should expose them to a variety of swimming and water activities. It’s not enough to have your child learn to swim in a pool where there is a controlled environment. Let them swim in rivers, lakes and even some waves. This can help to educate them on the challenges of the water in all kinds of conditions.
Build Skills
The ability to float, splash and play in the water is enough skill for most children. But, if you want to get your child involved in more advanced water sports you need to build their skills. Full safety training should be given and you should be confident in your child’s swimming ability before you start them in a more risky sport.
Check Restrictions
In each state there are restrictions about age for some watersports. Your child may not be allowed to participate in some water sports like skiing, wake boarding or riding a Sea-Doo before a certain age.
Kids that develop a love for the water likely started swimming at a young age. While it’s a good idea to get your kids in the water as babies, it takes a lot more skill and experience when it comes to water sports. You know your child better than anyone, so before you get them involved in sports, make sure that they have enough experience, confidence, and skills to stay safe on the water.
