EP 319: Teach Your Kids Water Safety with Lisa Cook

Understanding ISR Training: A Life-Saving Skill for Young Children

When it comes to water safety for young children, few methods are as effective as Infant Swim Resource (ISR) training. Founded in the 1960s, ISR is a unique, one-on-one program designed to teach infants and toddlers crucial survival swimming skills. But what makes ISR so special, and why is it gaining traction as a must-have skill for kids in and around water? Let’s dive in.

What is ISR Training?

ISR, or Infant Swim Resource, is a specialized swim training program that teaches infants and young children (typically ages 6 months to 6 years) self-rescue skills to help them survive in water. Unlike traditional swim lessons, ISR focuses specifically on teaching children how to respond to a water emergency, such as falling into a pool, by flipping onto their backs to float and breathe until help arrives.

The key difference with ISR is that the training doesn’t focus on teaching children how to swim for fun or in a leisurely way, but rather how to stay safe and survive in potentially dangerous situations. The program emphasizes the importance of teaching young children to be comfortable in the water, learn how to hold their breath, and master survival techniques such as rolling onto their backs and floating for long periods.

How ISR Works

ISR training is typically done in a series of lessons, with each session lasting around 10 minutes. These lessons are highly structured and individualized to fit the developmental stage and needs of the child. Children as young as 6 months can begin lessons, with training progressing over the course of several weeks. The goal is for the child to learn how to react instinctively in a water emergency and execute survival skills.

The program is taught by certified ISR instructors who have undergone extensive training to work with infants and young children. These instructors are experts in teaching babies and toddlers how to float on their backs and maintain that position until rescued. As children grow older, the skills evolve to include swimming, reaching the side of the pool, and even learning how to navigate obstacles if needed.

Why is ISR Training Important?

While water safety is a priority for every family, the reality is that drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death for children under 5. The vast majority of these drownings happen in residential pools, often when children have access to the water unsupervised or without adult awareness. Tragically, children can drown in a matter of minutes or even seconds, making it crucial to provide them with the skills needed to survive in these moments.

ISR training offers young children the tools to save themselves in the event of an unexpected fall into a pool. By teaching children to float on their backs and breathe, ISR provides them with a life-saving skill that could make all the difference in an emergency. As Lisa Cook, a water safety expert, explains, “ISR is not just about teaching a child how to swim; it’s about teaching them how to survive until help arrives.”

What Makes ISR Different from Traditional Swim Lessons?

While traditional swim lessons focus on teaching children how to swim for fun or exercise, ISR lessons are centered around survival. The skills taught in ISR lessons, such as floating on the back, breath control, and self-rescue techniques, are specifically geared toward life-saving scenarios.

Another key difference is the intensity and focus of ISR training. Because the lessons are one-on-one and tailored to the child’s age and development, they are much more individualized than a typical group swim class. ISR training emphasizes consistency and repetition to ensure that the child learns and retains the skills necessary for self-rescue.

Is ISR Right for My Child?

ISR training can be beneficial for any child who will be around water—whether at a pool, lake, or beach. Parents should consider enrolling their child in ISR if they want to equip them with the skills to protect themselves in an emergency situation. The program is also ideal for parents who are looking for a way to minimize the risk of water accidents and provide their children with the best possible foundation for water safety.

While ISR training is highly effective, it’s important to remember that no method can replace proper supervision around water. ISR should always be viewed as a supplemental tool to help children respond in emergency situations, but constant adult vigilance and supervision are key.

Conclusion

ISR training is more than just a swim lesson; it’s a life-saving skill that can help young children survive a water emergency. With its focus on self-rescue techniques, individualized lessons, and early introduction to water safety, ISR provides parents with the peace of mind that their children will have the skills to respond if the unthinkable happens. As we head into warmer months, giving your child the gift of ISR training could be one of the most important decisions you make for their safety. After all, when it comes to water, every second counts.