Swimming is a very important skill for every child. It is not just about having fun in the water; it is about staying safe. Many parents ask, “How long does it take to learn how to swim?” The answer depends on the child’s age, their confidence, and how often they practice.
In this guide, we will look at how long does it take to learn how to swim for kids from age 1 to 7 to learn swimming and the best time to start.
Factors Influencing How Long Does It Take to Learn How to Swim?
For most children, it takes about 20 to 30 hours of lessons to learn the basics of swimming. This does not mean 20 days in a row. It means the total time spent in the water with a teacher.
- If your child goes once a week: It might take a year to become a good swimmer.
- If your child goes twice a week: They could learn in 4 to 6 months.
- During summer camp (every day): They might learn the basics in just 3 to 4 weeks.
How Long Does It Take to Learn How to Swim for Infants?
Many parents are afraid to put babies in the water. However, starting early is very good. Infant swim lessons usually start for babies between 6 months and 2 years old.
What do babies learn?
Babies cannot do “freestyle” or “backstroke.” Instead, they learn:
- How to feel comfortable in the water.
- How to hold their breath for a few seconds.
- How to float on their back (this is a life-saving skill).
How long does it take to learn how to swim (For a baby)?
Because babies are very small, they need more time. Usually, it takes 6 months of playing in the water to make them fully “water-ready.” Starting at this age helps them so they are not afraid of water when they grow older.
Swimming Timeline: How Long Does It Take to Learn How to Swim for Ages 1-7
If you did not start when your child was a baby, that is perfectly fine. Many experts say the best age to start formal lessons is age 4.
At age 4, children can:
- Understand and follow instructions.
- Listen to a teacher.
- Move their arms and legs at the same time.
If a child starts at age 4 or 5, they can often learn to swim across a small pool in about 15 to 20 lessons.
How Long Does It Take to Learn How to Swim: Age by Age (1 to 7 Years Old)
Every child is different. Here is a simple look at what to expect for each age group.
1 to 2 Years Old (The Toddlers)
At this age, a parent usually stays in the water with the child.
- Goal: To love the water and not cry when their face gets wet.
- Time: 6 to 12 months of fun lessons.
3 to 4 Years Old (The Preschoolers)
This is a great age to start. Kids start to become brave.
- Goal: Putting their face in the water, blowing bubbles, and kicking their legs.
- Time: 4 to 6 months to swim a short distance alone.
5, 6, and 7 Years Old (The Big Kids)
This is the “Golden Age” for swimming. Kids at age 5, 6, or 7 learn very fast because they are strong.
- Goal: Learning proper strokes like Freestyle and Backstroke.
- Time: 2 to 4 months of regular lessons.
5 Tips to Reduce How Long Does It Take to Learn How to Swim
Why do some kids learn in 2 months while others take 6 months? Here are 5 reasons:
1. Practice, Practice, Practice
The more a child swims, the faster they learn. If you can take your child to the pool on the weekend just to play, it helps them remember what they learned in their lesson.
2. Being Brave
Some kids love water, and some are scared. It is okay to be scared! However, a brave child who is willing to put their head underwater will learn much faster.
3. A Good Teacher
A teacher who is kind and patient makes a big difference. If a child likes their teacher, they will try harder to swim.
4. Strong Muscles
Older kids (6 and 7 years old) have stronger arms and legs. This makes it easier for them to move through the water than a 3-year-old.
5. No Gaps in Lessons
If a child takes a 3-month break, they often forget what they learned. It is best to keep going until they are a strong swimmer.
Overcoming Water Anxiety Naturally
It is perfectly normal for a child to feel a bit nervous when they first step into a large pool. When evaluating how long does it take to learn how to swim, you must account for this “adjustment period.” If a child is forced into the water too quickly, it can actually increase the time it takes for them to learn. Instead, let them play with water toys or sit on the edge for a few minutes. Once the fear is replaced with curiosity, the learning process speeds up significantly. A relaxed child is a much faster learner.
Why Does Progress Sometimes Slow Down?
Sometimes, a child learns fast at first and then stops getting better for a few weeks. This is called a “Plateau.” This usually happens when they are learning how to breathe while swimming. Breathing is the hardest part of swimming. Parents should not worry. Just keep taking them to lessons, and suddenly, they will get it!
Why Breathing is the Hardest Part
Most swimming instructors will tell you that the strokes are easy, but the breathing is hard. This is often where progress seems to slow down. If you want to know how long does it take to learn how to swim proficiently, you have to look at how long it takes a child to master rhythmic breathing. This stage requires a lot of patience. Once a child learns how to turn their head and take a breath without stopping their movement, they are officially on their way to becoming a strong, independent swimmer.
Swimming Safety Rules for Parents
Even if your child knows how to swim, you must always watch them. According to the Red Cross, swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88%.
- Always stay close: Even a good swimmer can get tired.
- No running: The area around the pool is slippery.
- Life jackets: If you are on a boat or at a lake, kids should always wear life jackets.
Summary: How Long Will It Take for Your Child?
To sum it up:
- Toddlers (1-2 years): About a year to become very comfortable.
- Preschoolers (3-4 years): About 4 to 6 months to swim a little bit alone.
- School Kids (5-7 years): About 3 months to learn basic swimming strokes.
Swimming is a gift that lasts a lifetime. It keeps kids healthy and safe. Whether your child is 1 or 7, today is a great day to start! After a long day at the pool, enjoy these 10 Easy Moral Stories for Kids before bedtime.”
Check out more educational resources on Kids Learn Zone.”
1.What is the best age for a child to learn to swim?
Experts suggest that age 4 is the “golden age” for formal lessons because children can follow instructions. However, infant swim lessons (6 months to 2 years) are excellent for building water confidence early.
2.How long does it take to learn how to swim for a 7-year-old?
For kids aged 5 to 7, it usually takes 2 to 4 months of consistent weekly lessons. Since they are physically stronger, they master strokes like freestyle much faster than younger toddlers.
3.Can a child learn to swim in 10 days?
In 10 days of intensive daily lessons, a child can learn basic safety skills like floating and kicking. However, becoming a confident swimmer who can do proper strokes usually requires 20 to 30 hours of practice.
4.Why is my child not progressing in swimming lessons?
It is normal for kids to hit a “plateau,” especially when learning to breathe while swimming. Don’t worry! Consistency is key. Keep taking them to the pool, and they will eventually overcome the fear or technical difficulty.
5.Is it ever too late for a 7-year-old to start?
Never! While starting early helps, a 7-year-old has better focus and muscle strength. They often catch up to their peers very quickly due to their ability to understand coaching better.