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Revised Scientific Review: Minimum Age For Swim Lessons, Stephen J. Langendorfer Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The question addressed in the original scientific review (2009) was rephrased as Does sufficient scientific evidence exist to support setting a minimum age for swimming lessons? for this triennial review. Addressing the research question is significant because strong differences of opinion about the appropriate age(s) for initiating learn-to-swim lessons have existed among the pediatric medical profession, aquatic professionals and agencies, and proprietary programs and swim schools for over four decades. The question has implications for the appropriate purposes, pedagogies, and outcomes associated with swimming experiences for infants and young children that will be addressed in a subsequent review. The revised …