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Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional deaths in importance among Canadian children aged one to four years, which represents more than a fifth of all deaths in this age group. The hospitalization rate for near drowning peaked in the group of toddlers, the risk is five times higher than among older children. Drowning of infants and toddlers tend to occur at home or close to it, especially with infants in their bathroom, and toddlers falling into a pool.

The swimming lessons for babies and toddlers from the age of a few months are widespread in Canada. These courses are designed to introduce children to water, giving them confidence in their water and teach water safety to parents and guardians. Few studies have examined readiness for swimming lessons in this age group. It is reported that children can not handle the confidence in the water and aquatic skills base for four years, regardless of the age of the beginning of the course. Children acquire the skills needed for freestyle 5.5 years, they started their course of two, three or four years swim.

According to the evidence observations, swimming lessons improve swimming ability and behavior of the pools for young children (two to four years). However, the long-term maintenance of these capabilities has not been demonstrated. No data shows that swimming lessons prevent drowning or near drowning in this age group. Although it may be possible to teach young infants basic motor skills in the water, we can not wait to learn the elements of water safety or to react appropriately in situations of emergency. No young child, especially if it is preschool, can not be considered safe in the water. Active supervision by adults and a fence around the entire pool are the best strategies against drowning in this age group. In particular, pool alarms are not effective, and can give parents a false sense of security. The hazards associated with swimming lessons for young children, apart from drowning include water intoxication accompanied by seizures, hypothermia and various infections.

Based on evidence from research to date on the effectiveness of aquatic programs for infants and toddlers, the Canadian Paediatric Society recommends the following:

Swimming lessons for infants and toddlers under the age of four years should not be promoted as effective strategies to prevent drowning.

Children under four years old do not have the developmental ability to control water survival skills and swim independently. Aquatic and swimming lessons for children these activities should focus on the acquisition of self-confidence and the transmission of the principles of water safety to parents.

Swimming lessons should be taught by instructors trained in pools meet current standards in terms of design, maintenance, operation and control of infections (to reduce the risk of hepatitis A, gastroenteritis, skin infections, etc..).

Residential pools should be fenced on all four sides and include a self-closing and self-latching. Must check with the local municipality other requirements, such as height and type of fence.

Adults should always stay close to their toddlers and infants to monitor near water (swimming pools, and natural bodies of water). Infants placed in the water must be kept by an adult.

All infants and children who can not swim should wear a personal flotation device (PFD) approved by the Government. PFDs do not replace supervision.

Parents and pool owners should be encouraged to receive training in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to develop an emergency plan.