Why Winter is the Best Time to Start Thinking About Water Safety

When the temperature drops and the pool is covered, water safety is usually the last thing on a parent’s mind. We’re thinking about coats, heaters, and school schedules. However, as a swim instructor, I know that January is actually the most critical month for water safety planning.

Here is why you should be thinking about the pool while it’s still cold outside:

1. Safety is a Skill, Not a Switch

You can’t "flip a switch" and make a child water-safe the day before a Memorial Day pool party. True survival swimming, the kind where a child can instinctively roll over - float - breathe, takes time and consistent practice. Starting your search and registration now ensures your child has the weeks they need to build muscle memory before swim season arrives.

2. Beat the Spring Rush

Every year, like clockwork, my phone starts blowing up in the spring. By then, the most convenient time slots are often gone. By planning your 6-week session in January or February, you secure the spot that fits your family’s schedule rather than settling for whatever is left.

3. Consistency Over Convenience

Survival swimming is most effective when it is intensive. At Red Cardinal Infant Aquatics, we focus on a 6-week window to get your child skilled and confident. By starting early in the year, you have the flexibility to finish the program, assess your child’s progress, and even transition into group classes just as the summer weather hits.

4. Peace of Mind for Summer Travels

If you have a beach trip or a lake house visit planned for July, the last thing you want is to spend the whole week stressed and hovering over a child who doesn't know how to rescue themselves. Starting now means that by the time you're packing your bags, your child is already "water-ready."

The Bottom Line: Don’t wait for the heat to remind you that your child needs to swim. Water safety is a year-round priority.

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