Parent to Parent: Infant swimming

Summer's almost here, but before hitting the beach or pool, parents need to know how to keep their little ones safe around the water.

Colleen DeSouza, mom
"Most parents aren't around when kids drown-so she has to learn protect herself if she falls in the water"

One way is to teach kids the skills they need, so they can save themselves in the water. And that's the goal of the Infant Swimming Resource.

Debbie Daniels, Infant Swimming Resource Instructor
"ISR is different from other programs because this is a survival based program, we're teaching the children self rescue technique."

Kids start as early as 6 months old and can take lessons up to 6 years old.

First the babies are taught survival tactics, including a technique where they learn to turn themselves over in the water and float.

Once they learn to stay afloat, the teachers then introduce basic swimming skills.

Mom Annice says its perfect training for her 2-year-old.

Annice Kenan, mom
"My husband is a big surfer, and we love the water, she has a sister who is 5 and she wants to do everything she does, so I just thought it would be a good idea if she could be safer around the pool or open water."

2-year-old Nathan's mom says the classes are important, but not easy!

Nancy Nunes, mom
"It's probably not for all mothers, initially it can be overwhelming, but you have to take it for what it is, its for survival and its for the best for you and your child."

Parents must commit to strict class schedule with 10 minutes a day, five days a week for 4-6 weeks.

But 18-month-old Lily's mom Colleen thinks it's an investment worth making.

Colleen DeSouza, mom
"If you could teach your child to save themselves, why wouldn't you?"

The classes are currently available in Middletown and Newport, Rhode Island as well as Kingston & Westport mass.

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