Historically, formal swim lessons weren’t recommended until children were at least 4 or 5. But today, many experts advise that much younger children (infants) should be taught survival-swimming skills to provide one last layer of protection if they unexpectedly get in the water.

Early swim lessons teach basic survival skills, including the ability to:

• Right oneself after falling into the water.

• Proceed a short distance in the water, such as to the side of the pool.

• Float or tread water until someone can help. Parents who choose this type of survival-swimming skills training — or regular swim lessons, for that matter — can find classes at their local YMCA, American Red Cross chapter, Infant Swimming Resource swim schools, and private swimming resource providers.

Experts consider learning survival-swimming skills to be the last layer of protection in keeping kids safe. If all of the other layers break down and a child ends up in the water, those survival-swimming skills may keep them from drowning until help arrives.