A mother teaching her 17-week old baby daughter to swim. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images). 1966

A Chinese baby swims on November 7, 2004 at a nursery in Shanghai. Experts believe babies who have an early swimming experience show improved physical and psychological development. Swimming also enhances the baby's balance, strength, coordination and endurance as well as their concentration and sense of independence. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

A baby swims in a pool at the Chengdu Maternity Hospital on January 15, 2005 in Chengdu, China. The hospital's “New Born Baby Swim Service” is very popular among parents, which is thought to promote better growth of the baby's organs and skeleton. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

A toddler held by her father swims underwater during a swimming class for babies at Lane Cove pool February 16, 2007 in Sydney, Australia. As the baby boom in Australia continues, the popularity of swimming classes for babies and toddlers is also on the increase. About 80% of the Australian population live on the coast, with swimming and surfing being major pastimes, leading parents to introduce their kids to water at an early age. (Photo by Ian Waldie/Getty Images)

A nurse and mother help a baby to undergo swim training at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Youyi Hospital on March 16, 2007 in Beijing, China. Maternity wards in hospitals are hectic as many women attempt to have babies during the golden pig year of the Chinese lunar calendar. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)