Infant Swimming Resource
Many parents will sign their kids up for survival swim lessons (also known as ISR, or Infant Swimming Resource) and don’t realize that there are many different styles and curriculums to teaching children how to swim.

Is ISR traumatic?

The programs are designed to “drown-proof” children, but many experts doubt these claims. What’s more, there is evidence suggesting that the tactics used in ISR may create traumatic associations. As a result, older children may develop negative thoughts or fears about the water or swimming.

What age is best for ISR?

Generally speaking, children ages 6 months to 1 year learn the ISR Self-Rescue® skill of rolling onto their backs to float, rest and breathe. They learn to maintain this position until help arrives.

How much does ISR lessons cost?

ISR has been researched and developed for nearly 50 years. It’s nationally recognized as the safest swim program for infants and children. It typically costs $100-150 per week depending on the instructor, location, and pool rental fees.

Why is ISR controversial?

ISR has been a cause for controversy. The American Academy of Pediatrics says “there is currently no evidence that infant swim programs for babies under 1 year old lower their drowning risk.” “Swim safety, I can’t put a price on that,” mother Jessica McPhee said. “It’s their lives.”

Are ISR swim lessons worth it?

Research related to drowning is extremely limited, and the American Academy of Pediatrics says that while formal swimming lessons (not specifically ISR) for children ages 1-4 can reduce the overall risk of childhood drowning by 88 percent, there isn’t good evidence to support the use of one type of swimming lessons …

Does ISR prevent drowning?

Is 4 too old for ISR?

My answer is always “ISR Self-Rescue® lessons are designed for children 6 months to 6 years of age, teaching babies is such a reward and the older students astound me with their budding confidence and determination.

Are ISR Swim Lessons safe?

Infant survival rescue lessons can give false sense of security from parent/child in and around water. Some parents may unintentionally be less vigilant when they believe their child can do the Infant Swimming Resource sequence.

How much money do ISR instructors make?

ISR Instructor Salary

Annual SalaryMonthly Pay
Top Earners$82,000$6,833
75th Percentile$59,000$4,916
Average$51,668$4,305
25th Percentile$32,500$2,708

Is ISR bad?

It’s also possible that they’re harmful.” Though ISR offers swim lessons starting as young as six months, the AAP is firm in their stance that lessons should wait until a child’s first birthday. “They may manifest reflexive swimming movement under the water but cannot effectively raise their heads to breathe.”

Are survival swim lessons traumatic?

“Survival” swim lessons can be traumatic experiences for a child and do not drown-proof them. Developmentally-appropriate alternatives include layered play-based training with a trusted caregiver involved. Children are typically only ready for this training around 4-5 years old.

When to start swimming lessons?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swimming lessons for all children age 4 or older. They used to recommend that you not begin formal swimming lessons until kids are at least 4 years old, the age that children are thought to be “developmentally ready” for swim lessons.

When are swimming lessons offered?

Swimming lessons are offered several different times during the year. Parks and Recreation offers multiple sessions during the summer during the week. In the winter and fall months there are classes during the week and classes on Saturdays.

What is ISR swim?

ISR is the product of over 50 years of on-going development in the area of aquatic survival for infants and children. ISR’s primary focus is to teach your child to become a productive swimmer, or floater, in any depth of water. As a result of ISR instruction, your child will become an “aquatic problem solver.”.