Now that pool season is in full force, parents have a chance to start their little ones on the basics of swimming, a recreational sport they can enjoy the rest of their lives.

No matter what, though, remember that swimming skills don't "drown-proof" a child.

Children 4 and younger have the highest rate of death by drowning than any other age group, reports the National Safety Council. About 300 children in that age range drown in residential pools every year.

Though kids generally aren't ready for full-fledged swim lessons until age 4, that doesn't mean they can't get started on precursors to swimming, like feeling comfortable in the water, paddling and holding their breath. Kids can begin to learn water skills starting at age 6 months.

Three experienced Nashville, Tenn.-area swim instructors — Laurie Nygren, Vanderbilt Swim School director; Rosemary McPherson, Green Hills YMCA aquatics director; and Ron Chlasta, owner of Sea Star Swim School in Hendersonville — offer tips on how to get your kids started.

— Kids can begin to learn water skills starting at age 6 months.

— If you're using pools instead of the beach, any younger than that isn't recommended because of the exposure to chlorine and other chemicals. That aside, the earlier the kids start their swimming education, the better.

— Use bath time to acclimate kids to water. Give them a cue like "One, two three . . ." to get them to hold their breath before pouring water on them. Get them used to the sensation of water on their face and in their eyes. Both the cue and ease with water will prove helpful in the pool.

— If a child's afraid of the water, talk about it. "If the kid can express how they're feeling and they know they're being heard and understood, it helps a lot with easing that tension," says Nygren, of Vanderbilt Swim School.

— Help children relax by talking about something other than the water and swimming. Take them to the pool when it's not as busy. Start out small, like hanging out on the steps.

— Teach your children water safety basics. They need to know to only go in the water with a parent, to enter from the steps rather than jumping in and not to run while at the pool.

— When in the water holding your child, adjust your movements. Take the water's natural resistance into account. Move in slow, sweeping motions.

— Your baby should be facing you while you walk backward. That way, your baby is swimming forward and you can see right away if he or she accidentally inhales any water.

— Babies pick up on your nonverbal cues. Always smile and keep your tone calm. If they get splashed and start to cry, don't respond by raising your voice with them. If they're holding you tight, relax your own touch.

— Work on fundamentals. Between ages 6 months and 3 years, kids can learn gliding, floating, kicking, blowing bubbles, holding their breath and basic arm strokes. Most still need a parent to hold them up but some will be able to perform those skills independently.

McPherson with the YMCA uses these techniques: When teaching arm strokes, throw in a toy and encourage your kids to reach as far as they can for it. Practice kicking while holding on to the steps. To blow bubbles, pretend to blow on hot soup or start out using a straw in the water.

Floatation devices should enhance the experience. Kickboards and noodles help beginner swimmers focus on one type of motion at a time, like only kicking or only pulling with their arms. They also help build endurance and allow children to be in the pool without being held — although they should always be supervised.

Nose plugs? Ear plugs? Goggles? Depends. Unless medically necessary, ear and nose plugs aren't recommended. Placing a few drops of rubbing alcohol in the ears is an easy way to dry them out and prevent infection. A key swimming skill is blowing bubbles out of your nose.

Goggles are typically helpful since they protect eyes from pool chlorine. Just don't let them become a distraction for your kids or a crutch.

"Once you start goggles, you have to stay with goggles just because you're used to goggles," McPherson says. "You might want to try to have them start without goggles. It's kind of rough to get to the pool and realize you left your goggles at home."

A new European study published in the June issue of Pediatrics suggests that babies exposed to chlorinated air in indoor swimming pools may experience higher rates of asthma and bronchitis as older children. Check with your child's doctor if you have concerns.

Don't compare your child's swimming progress with others. "In the water, these little kids, they're like a flower in a garden," says Chlasta of Sea Star, which has been around 11 years and has 1,200 students. "They're going to bloom at their own time. You don't want to make comparisons, especially with a child that's hesitant."

WORKING WITH OLDER BEGINNING SWIMMERS

In particular with preteens, remember they may be more self-conscious about not knowing how to swim.

— Choose a time to go to the pool when it's not busy.

— As with all kids, don't push them too far beyond their comfort zone.

— Older kids still need to learn the same basics as younger kids, like floating, gliding, blowing bubbles, putting their head in the water and jumping into the water from the side.

— If you do outsource swim lessons, there are plenty of swim schools in the area. Consider a private teacher for children who are extremely fearful of water.

SECURING THE BACKYARD POOL

Backyard pools are a great focus for family togetherness and a convenient way to help young children become comfortable in the water and practice swimming skills. But they should always be secured to prevent accidental drownings. Here are five pieces of safety equipment recommended by the pros:

— Fencing and gates: Mesh fencing should be at least 4 feet high and have a self-closing, self-latching gate. All panels should remain in place when the pool is not in use. Fencing should meet the ASTM F1908 standard.

— Door and gate alarms: Many devices are available that attach to pool and spa access doors and gates that will sound a loud alarm when opened and closed. Placing alarms on sliding doors, windows and all exit doors will alert you to children leaving the house. Alarms should meet the Underwriters Laboratories UL 2017 standard for residential water hazard alarm equipment.

— Perimeter and motion alarms: Infrared systems sound an alarm when the beam is crossed and can be installed around the perimeter of a pool or spa. Water motion alarms are placed near or in the water and sound an alarm when the water is disturbed.

— Latches and locks: Fence gates should have latches that automatically close and latch securely. Windows and doors that open to the pool or spa area should all be equipped with self-latching devices.

— Safety covers: Pool covers are available that completely cover a pool or spa, blocking access to water. Insist on a cover that has a label stating that it meets the ASTM F1346 Standard for pool and spa covers.