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Living in a place that has really warm summers I thought it was very important to make sure that my 2 year old son, James, knew how to swim.  I do know that 2 years old is really young so I wasn't expecting him to be ready to compete in the Summer Olympics this year but I did want him to get somewhat comfortable in water.  I got him registered in a program that would teach him some survival techniques in case he fell into water.  He would work 1-on1 with the instructor for 10 minutes each day, 5 days a week.  I had never heard of this approach before so I wanted to give it a try.  On the first day of lessons I got him all packed and ready and we made our way over to the private home that the lessons were being held at.  I knew my son would be reluctant to go to this stranger, especially because she was in the water.  He cried (as he did for that entire first week) but was holding his breath under water and floating on his back by the second day.  We were so proud of him.  We cheered like all the other parents did while their kids were in the water.  That was our job.  He is now in his 4th week of lessons (his last week).  He has learned the technique that was taught to him.  He swims under water, turns over on his back to breath and float, then turns over again to swim until he gets to the edge/stairs/etc.  Every time we witness him doing this we get goosebumps, it is so amazing.  We couldn't be more proud of our lil' boy.  We know now that this was money well spent.  The ability for a young child to be able to swim is priceless.  I encourage all parents of young children to get their kids in the water.  Get them comfortable around it.  It could save their lives someday.