Learn to Swim

Written by two expert swimming instructors, Learn to Swim is a superb how-to guide for parents and caregivers to teach their baby the basics of swimming and water familiarization in the lead up to, and in conjunction with, swimming lessons. Each chapter focuses on a new skill for the parent and baby to learn together in the bath or pool. The skills—illustrated by detailed photos, key learning points, and troubleshooting suggestions—are for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, catering to all stages of learning from those babies fearful of water to the most water-confident babies all over the world. This book can be adapted to bath time, pools, lakes, or beaches and shows what parents can do with their baby in a safe environment, paving the way for a strong swimming toddler.

Learn to Swim also addresses concerns new parents may have with a dedicated FAQ section that will even answer the age-old question: "Will my baby drink the water?"

Finally, key safety information—including supervision, swim wear, floaties, pool fences, and a special chapter on babies with special needs—are all expertly addressed.



Tracey Ayton received the Austswim Teacher of the Year for infant and preschool swimming for two consecutive years, the Swim Australia Meritorious Award for outstanding service in the Learn to Swim program, and many other community service awards. She has developed an award-winning baby program and the current curriculum at Little Heroes Swim Academy, a swim school that specializes in teaching students with disabilities.

Ben Holden has managed award-winning Learn to Swim programs and pioneered low buoyancy swimming equipment through the revolutionary Bolsta kickboard. He rewrote the ASA National Plan for Teaching Swimming in 2002, bringing the British Learn to Swim curriculum on par with the Australian methodology. Ben holds a bachelor of Sport Science, with an emphasis on swimming, and has collaborated with the industry and a host of international swimming coaches.