What is the minimum age a kid can become a confirmed swimmer?

Question

My son is 3yr, 11m. Can swim only 10m length w/o support. I started to take him with me at a normal size pool when he was just 2yrs. He loves water. I wish he is able to swim 25m at a stretch without support before he is 4yrs on 1st July. Anybody has had any knowledge on record age for swimming.

Answer 1

In the 1990's I had a squad of 3 yr olds that competed for the YMCA in the state meet.  They even swam IM pretty quickly to, a 2:12.  An IM is an individual medley 1 lap each of fly, back, breast, and free.  I had a dozen kids most swam a 25yd free in 25-30 sec but my quicky doing the 2:12 in the IM swam it in 22 sec, and his back was 25 sec, breast was 29 sec. his fly was his slowest 32 sec.

Answer 2

I have taught swimming and swimming-instructors for many years.  The general rule is around 5 years old before 'real' swimming ability can be developed.  However, there are always exceptions.  And in many cases, it is really how you define 'real' swimming.  However, if you define it as most professionals do; it is a coordinated overhand crawl stroke with effective synchronized breathing.  

If your child develops the ability to swim 25-meters on his own before age 5 that would be unusual but certainly not unheard of.  I have personally taught several 'prodigy' types who were able to do that at age 3 to 4.  But again, that is not typical.

Every child is different.  One thing swimming instructors try to stress is that comparing one child to another even at the same age is at best, misleading, and at worst can negatively impact a child's progress.  The small child who enjoys the water can develop problems if 'pressured' by a parents expectations even when not verbally stated.  Try to take it easy and just enjoy the aquatic experience with your child.  Have fun!

Answer 3

Depends on what metric you are going by.

Babies are born able to swim, then they forget.