What is the right age to introduce your child to swimming?
The American Association of Pediatrics recommends that lessons begin at age 1, but children as young as six months old can participate in classes that help acclimate them to the water.
Here are a few places in Central New York that offer classes for infants – and older children:
Champions Fitness Center
Classes offered: Parent & Child; Level 1; Level 2; Level 3; Level 4.
Where: 7687 Frontage Road, Cicero.
More information: championsfitness.com/services.
Elevate Fitness
Classes offered: Parent & Child (9 months-4 years); Introduction to Water Skills (ages 4+); Fundamental Aquatic Skills (ages 5+); and Stroke Development & Improvement. Also offers private lessons.
Where: 5791 Widewaters Pkwy, Syracuse (Dewitt location). 7455 Morgan Road, Liverpool (Liverpool location).
More information: elevatesyracuse.com/swim-lessons.
Mohawk Valley Community College – Utica Campus
Classes offered: Parent and Child Aquatics (ages 1-2); Preschool with Parent Aquatics (ages 3-5); Level 1 (Kindergarten+); Level 2 (ages 5+); Level 3 (ages 6+); and Level 4.
Where: 1101 Sherman Drive, Utica.
More information: mvcc.edu/cced/community-education.
Sitrin Health Care Center
Classes offered: Aqua Tots (infants and toddlers).
Where: 2050 Tilden Ave., New Hartford.
More information: sitrin.com/community/wellness.
YMCA of Central New York
Classes offered: Swim Starters (parent and children ages 6 months-3 years); Swim Basics (preschool, school-aged children and teens); and Swim Strokes (preschool, school-aged children and teens).
Where: The YMCA has locations around Central New York.
More information: ymcacny.org/programs/swimming.
