Diving advice for 4yo

Question
My 4yo little boy wants to be a diver.
He is currently learning to swim at the YMCA in Mukilteo, WA and is progressing very fast. Once he is a competent swimmer, he would like to learn to dive. Is he too young? Where would we do this? And are there other activities or sports that are more appropriate for a boy his age that will help him (like gymnastics)?

Answer
Annette -

I think four is definitely too young to start diving lessons. At his age, diving should just be a fun play activity. Take him to Forest Park pool in Everett where they have two low boards and during open swim, let him jump of the boards as a fun thing to do. Inquire with Lee Michaud the guy who gives diving lessons there and ask him what the minimum age is to be in lessons. In the mean time, enroll him in a gymnastic or trampoline class as this will be the best for him until he is old enough to take diving lessons.

Forest Park pool is located in Forest Park off 41st Ave and is run by the City of Everett Park and Rec Department.

Go to www.diving.about.com and in the search box, enter 'lessons' to get an idea of what to expect when he is of age.

Good luck and let him have a fun summer of play diving.