We opened our pool yesterday, and while I felt a thrill of excitement, I was also gripped by anxiety. I have two young children: a curious, adventurous toddler and a spirited baby, both now drawn to an inviting body of water that requires constant supervision.
Yet this summer, there’s a sense of reassurance on my part: my kids have completed Infant Swimming Rescue (ISR).
Last year, after hearing about the program from a friend whose son had gone through it, I started researching ISR. I stumbled upon videos showing tiny tots being flipped into the water—an unsettling sight. The fear on their faces made me cringe, and I quickly dismissed the idea of enrolling my kids.
However, after hearing heart-wrenching stories from parents who had lost their toddlers to drowning accidents, I felt compelled to dig deeper. One particular story caught my attention and changed everything:
ISR Testimony:
On January 3, 2013, I was at a local park for a mommy boot camp when I asked another mom to watch my 15-month-old son, Jack, for a quick jog. In just two minutes, I returned to find Jack missing. Panic set in as I scanned the area, and my heart sank when I spotted ripples in a nearby canal. Rushing over, I was amazed to see Jack floating calmly in the water, doing exactly what he had been taught to do. He had saved himself! I swooped him up, grateful he was safe, albeit a bit shaken. Our ISR instructor had been incredibly patient, and my gratitude for the program knows no bounds.
This was my turning point. I decided to enroll both Jack and my daughter, Lily, in ISR.
The program began with a certified instructor helping my initially apprehensive kids feel at ease in the water. Gradually, they learned the ISR Self-Rescue Method, but not without some tears. Watching them cry as they looked to me for comfort was heartbreaking. Yet, we persevered. After a few sessions, they stopped crying and even began to enjoy their daily swim lessons.
Is it a commitment? Absolutely. Classes last for just ten minutes—perfect for a toddler’s attention span—Monday through Friday, and typically last around nine weeks until the child masters the self-rescue skill.
Is it worthwhile? Without a doubt. Teaching kids this crucial skill can be life-saving if they ever find themselves alone near water. Accidents can occur in the blink of an eye. If your child will be spending time at the pool this summer, especially if you have one in your backyard, I strongly encourage you to explore ISR’s mission of “Not one more child drowns.”
Lessons are available for infants as young as six months old, provided they can sit up independently. My son started at nine months and quickly learned the necessary skills. My two-and-a-half-year-old daughter was more aware and a bit hesitant, but I recommend starting as early as possible. In the end, both kids graduated the program, successfully floating on their backs in fully clothing for two minutes—no tears, just proud smiles shining through.
If you’re hesitant because you dread seeing your child cry, I completely understand. I was in the same position. But ultimately, I concluded that hearing my little ones cry in a safe, supervised environment was far more comforting than the thought of never hearing them cry again.
For more information about ISR and to find a certified instructor nearby, check out infantswim.com. And if you’re interested in related topics, you might enjoy reading more on our blog about home insemination or learning from experts at intracervicalinsemination.com. Additionally, the March of Dimes is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination information.
In summary, while the decision to put my kids through ISR lessons was difficult, the peace of mind I gained knowing they are safer around water is invaluable. It was worth every moment of discomfort.