Toddler swimming needs more study.(Letter to the editor)

I would like to discuss an important issue addressed in this magazine a while back. As a swimming instructor and mother, I read Sharon O'Malley's "Sink or Swim?" article (June 2005) with keen interest. Kudos to her for beginning a much-needed discussion. Swim instruction for the under age 4 category continues to thrive. Instructors feel their methods, observations and experiences teaching this age group repeatedly bump against the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations. When instructors are asked by parents to weigh in, or worse, refute AAP, we are in a very difficult spot.

While I agree with AAP'S guidelines, I also concur with Johnny Johnson's assertions. Some toddlers do learn breath control, prone and supine floats, arm and leg coordination, and out-of-the-water arm recovery. Some toddlers do execute an effective stroke after thoughtful, consistent instruction.

These accomplishments may save a child's life by adding the necessary seconds for a rescue by an adult. Effective water skills will be further developed and expanded as the child continues learning to swim. As ...