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Don’t Know How to Swim? Here’s Why You Need to Learn—No Matter Your Age

Imagine this: You’re at the beach, enjoying the sunshine, when suddenly, you hear a panicked scream. Someone has been caught in a rip current. The lifeguards rush in, but in those terrifying moments, you realize something—if that were you in the water, you wouldn’t know what to do.

Not knowing how to swim is more than just missing out on summer fun. It’s a safety hazard, plain and simple. Whether you’re at the beach, on a boat, at a pool party, or even just near a body of water, not having basic swimming skills puts you at serious risk. Let’s talk about why swimming is essential, when to start learning, how to teach older adults, and even whether there are any downsides.

The Hard Truth: Drowning is a Leading Cause of Death

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Drowning is one of the top causes of accidental death worldwide, especially among children. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death for kids between one and four years old. It’s also a significant risk for adults who never learned how to swim as children.

And here’s the thing—drowning often happens silently. There’s no dramatic splashing like in the movies. It can take just 20 to 60 seconds for someone to go under, and if no one notices, the outcome can be tragic. This is why learning to swim is not just about recreation—it’s about survival.

Where Are You Most at Risk?

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You might think, “I don’t live near the ocean, so I don’t need to know how to swim.” But drowning doesn’t just happen in the ocean. Here are some common scenarios where knowing how to swim could mean the difference between life and death:

  • Pools: Whether at a friend’s house or a hotel, pools are a major risk, especially for kids.
  • Beaches: Rip currents are powerful enough to pull even strong swimmers out to sea. If you don’t know how to swim, getting caught in one is incredibly dangerous.
  • Lakes and Rivers: Many people underestimate how strong river currents can be or how cold lake water can sap your strength.
  • Boating Accidents: Even with a life jacket, knowing how to swim increases your chances of survival if you end up in the water.
  • Floods: In natural disasters, floodwaters can be powerful and unpredictable. Being able to stay afloat could save your life.

How Young Can Kids Learn to Swim?

swim lessons.
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Parents often wonder when to start teaching their kids to swim. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)recommends starting swim lessons as early as one year old, especially if you live near water.

Many swim programs introduce babies as young as six months to water in a controlled environment. These lessons don’t exactly teach them to swim, but they can help them become comfortable in the water, learn breath control, and even instinctively roll onto their backs to float—an important survival skill.

What About Those Videos of Babies Going Underwater?

baby under water.
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If you’ve ever seen videos of babies being dunked underwater, you might be horrified. But in reality, babies are born with a reflex called the diving reflex, which allows them to instinctively hold their breath underwater for a short time.

Infant swim lessons build on this natural reflex and teach babies to surface and float if they ever fall into water. However, experts caution that just because a baby has had swim lessons doesn’t mean they are “drown-proof.” Close supervision is still critical.

Can Older Adults Learn to Swim?

Swim lessons.
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Absolutely! It’s never too late to learn how to swim. Many adults hesitate because they feel embarrassed or think they’re too old, but learning to swim later in life can be incredibly empowering. It can also open up new opportunities—vacations become more enjoyable, water workouts improve fitness, and the fear of water fades.

The biggest challenge for adult learners is usually fear. Many have had a bad experience with water or just never had the chance to learn. But with patient instruction, the right mindset, and gradual practice, even the most hesitant adults can become confident swimmers.

Are There Any Downsides to Learning to Swim?

Drowning person.
Afanasiev Andrii via Shutterstock.

Honestly? Very few. But here are some things to consider:

  • Fear of Water Can Be a Hurdle: Some people have a deep fear of water due to past experiences. Overcoming that fear takes patience and a good instructor.
  • Cost of Lessons: Professional lessons can be expensive, though many community pools and organizations offer affordable programs.
  • Overconfidence: Just because someone knows how to swim doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Strong swimmers can still drown if they overestimate their abilities or swim in dangerous conditions.

How to Get Started

kid swimming.
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If you or someone you know doesn’t know how to swim, here’s what to do:

  1. Find a Class: Many local pools, community centers, and even the YMCA offer lessons for all ages.
  2. Start Slow: It’s okay to begin in shallow water. Comfort in the water is the first step.
  3. Focus on Floating: Learning to float is often more important than learning strokes. If you can float, you can survive.
  4. Practice Often: Like any skill, swimming improves with practice. Even casual exposure to water helps build confidence.
  5. Respect the Water: Always swim in designated areas, be aware of currents, and never swim alone.

The Bottom Line

couple at beach.
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Knowing how to swim is one of the most valuable skills a person can have. It’s not just about fun—it’s about safety, confidence, and even fitness. Whether you’re a child, an adult, or a senior, it’s never too late to learn.

So, if you’ve been putting it off, now’s the time. Find a class, take the first step, and give yourself a skill that could one day save your life—or someone else’s.

New to Fitness? Here’s How to Start Your Journey Without Feeling Overwhelmed!

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Starting on a fitness journey can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never worked out before – or have had a long break away from the gym. The thought of stepping into a gym or even starting an exercise routine at home might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right mindset, a solid plan, and a focus on gradual progress, anyone can begin working out and build a healthier, more active lifestyle.

READ: New to Fitness? Here’s How to Start Your Journey Without Feeling Overwhelmed!

3 Simple Somatic Movements You Can Do To Calm Your Nervous System

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Daily life can be unnerving. And it’s easy to go from calm to anxious or nervous in a flash. What’s harder is to go from anxious or nervous to calm.These simple movements that I am going to share here have been found to successfully move an individual from a state of anxious nervousness to a state of calm. Read: 3 Simple Somatic Movements You Can Do To Calm Your Nervous System

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Author

  • Dede Wilson Headshot Circle

    Dédé Wilson is a journalist with over 17 cookbooks to her name and is the co-founder and managing partner of the digital media partnership Shift Works Partners LLC, currently publishing through two online media brands, FODMAP Everyday® and The Queen Zone.

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