What type of water activity should be avoided during initial swimming lessons?

Deep water activities should be avoided during initial swimming lessons because they pose a higher risk for beginners who lack the skills and confidence to navigate deeper water safely. In the early stages of learning to swim, it is essential for students to feel secure and in control. Shallow water allows for safer exploration, self-assessment of their skills, and gradual acclimatization to the water environment.

Beginners often need to build foundational skills, such as buoyancy, breathing techniques, and basic strokes, which can be more easily practiced in shallow water where they can stand comfortably and recover quickly if they feel overwhelmed. By starting in shallow water, instructors can focus on developing skills without the immediate threat of deeper water, which can cause anxiety and safety concerns for novice swimmers.

The other options, such as shallow water, warm water, and group swimming activities, may all be appropriate in certain contexts, making them safer choices for beginners learning to swim.