“The water doesn't know how old you are” - Dara Torres

Introduction:

Picture this: A sunny day at the pool, children splashing and playing, laughter filling the air. It's a scene of joy and fun. But amidst this happiness lies a serious concern – water safety. In the United States, drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among children. However, there's a life-saving solution that's often overlooked – swim lessons.

So, you're ready to get your little one swimming like a fish, but you're torn between ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) and traditional swim lessons?

Maybe you've seen a video or a young infant or toddler in the pool and flipped around upside down and they are able to get to their back and float. To some it looks like the perfect solution for children and water. To others it may look like a CIA enhanced interrogation technique!

And what about "traditional swim lessons"??? Maybe you took lessons at the "Y" when you were a kids and remember progressing like molasses on a cold day.

Regardless... you want to know what is right for you and your child.

Let's dive into the history and origin of ISR before we weigh the options.

With that said, here are the Pro's & Con's of traditional swim lessons vs ISR! 👊

The Story Behind ISR:

Infant Swimming Resource, or ISR, isn't just another swim program – it's a movement founded on the belief that every child should have the skills to survive in the water. The ISR approach was developed by Dr. Harvey Barnett, a pediatrician, in the late 1960s. Dr. Barnett witnessed too many tragic drowning incidents involving young children and felt compelled to find a solution.

Driven by his passion for child safety, Dr. Barnett pioneered a method that focused on teaching infants and young children survival swimming skills. His approach emphasized repetitive practice and conditioning to ensure that children could instinctively float and breathe in the water, even in emergency situations.

The ISR Methodology:

ISR lessons are characterized by their intensity and focus on survival skills. Children as young as six months old are taught how to roll onto their backs and float independently, allowing them to rest and breathe until help arrives. ISR instructors use gentle but firm techniques to teach children these critical skills, often employing repetition and positive reinforcement.

Over the years, ISR has evolved and expanded, reaching families across the globe and saving countless lives in the process. Today, ISR continues to be a leader in aquatic education, with certified instructors providing lifesaving instruction to children of all ages.

Comparing ISR to Traditional Swim Lessons:

Now that you know the backstory, let's compare ISR to traditional swim lessons:

ISR:

• Focus: Survival skills, including floating and breathing techniques.

• Intensity: Rigorous and disciplined, with a focus on repetition and conditioning.

• Results: Quick proficiency in survival skills, often achieved in a matter of weeks.

Traditional Swim Lessons:

• Focus: Building confidence and refining strokes.

• Approach: More relaxed and social, with an emphasis on enjoyment.

• Results: Gradual progress over time, with a focus on developing swimming proficiency.

Choosing the Right Swim Program for Your Child:

While ISR has saved countless lives and is highly regarded for its effectiveness, it's essential to recognize some of the potential risks and dangers associated with this approach.

The Potential Dangers of ISR:

1. Emotional Stress: ISR lessons can be intense and emotionally challenging for both children and parents. The repetitive nature of the training and the focus on survival skills may cause stress and anxiety, particularly for children who are sensitive or easily overwhelmed.

2. Physical Strain: The physical demands of ISR training can be significant, especially for young children. Holding themselves in a floating position for extended periods and practicing repetitive movements can lead to fatigue and muscle strain, potentially increasing the risk of injury.

3. Negative Associations with Water: For some children, the intense nature of ISR lessons may create negative associations with water, leading to fear or aversion to swimming in the future. It's crucial to consider your child's temperament and emotional resilience before enrolling them in ISR.

4. Limited Skill Development: While ISR focuses on survival skills, it may not provide the comprehensive swimming instruction offered by traditional swim lessons. Children who only receive ISR training may lack proficiency in strokes and other essential swimming techniques, limiting their ability to enjoy aquatic activities fully.

5. Parental Concerns: Parents may experience stress and anxiety watching their child undergo ISR training, particularly during the initial stages when children are learning to float independently. It's essential for parents to be emotionally prepared and to trust in the expertise of the ISR instructor.

Making an Informed Decision:

When considering ISR for your child, it's essential to weigh the potential risks against the benefits of learning survival swimming skills. While ISR has been proven effective in preventing drowning incidents, it's not without its challenges. As a parent, it's crucial to assess your child's readiness for ISR training, considering factors such as temperament, physical ability, and emotional resilience.

Ultimately, the decision between ISR and traditional swim lessons should be based on what best meets your child's needs and your family's preferences. Whether you choose ISR or traditional lessons, the most important thing is to prioritize your child's safety and well-being in and around water. By making an informed decision, you can ensure that your child receives the appropriate swim instruction tailored to their individual needs.

Conclusion:

Despite the focus on safety with ISR, we feel that traditional swim lessons are a better fit.

At Green Feet Swimming, we focus on safety by providing private instruction. In group classes the instructor focus is divided amongst multiple students. With Green Feet Swimming, your child always has our instructors undivided attention.

Also, our focus is for children to love the water, not be afraid of the water. 

Parents should love watching their children learn, not turn away from stress and anxiety.

Whether at the lake, the beach or a backyard birthday party, water should bring families together. If a child hates the water from the emotional trauma of ISR, this defeats the purpose of what we believe swim lessons should do.

With that said, we want to bring families together, however we can. We encourage you to do your due diligence on what you think is best for your child.

But don’t be afraid to reach out because we feel Green Feet Swimming is the ideal place for your child to learn to swim.

See you at the pool!

Nicole Smith

Green Feet Swimming

Other resources to help you get started with swim lessons.

• Visit https://www.blog.greenfeetswimming.com/

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