In its new policy, the AAP restates that most children age 4 and older should learn to swim, but it is now more open toward classes for younger children. This reversal is based on new evidence shows that children ages 1 to 4 may be less likely to drown if they have had formal swimming instruction but the AAP is not recommending mandatory swim lessons for this age group and it does not recommend formal water safety programs for children under 1 year of age. The updated policy also outlines the danger of body entrapment and hair entanglement in pool or spa drains. http://www.aap.org/pressroom/aappr-may2410mailing.htm