Being outside and at the beach (or near water in general) is without a doubt Max's happiest place. Because of this, I've made it my mission to ensure he understands and has respect for water and it's dangers. 

I put Max in the pool at 6 months old for swim lessons and with the exception of time off during the pandemic, he's pretty much been in the pool consistently since. We've had our ups and downs (overly confident, fear, disliking the cold water, etc) and it certainly took him a lot longer to learn that most kids. However, as of this past Fall, he can finally tread water and has the relationship with water that I've always hoped he would. I feel so lucky that we've had amazing swim teachers over the years always rooting for him and I'm glad we stayed consistent even when it was 15 degrees out side and snowing and neither of us had any desire to get in a cold pool! Of course, I will always fear his ability to judge the waters depth and know the proper ways to save himself without panicking, but knowing that he has gotten over that little hump allows me to sleep a bit better at night!!