Shocking footage sees a baby pushed in a pool to 'teach it how to survive'

11 December 2018, 11:09 | Updated: 11 December 2018, 15:11

A video of a 5 month old baby being pushed into a swimming pool has gone viral, and people aren't quite sure how they feel about it.

Footage of a mother pushing her young baby headfirst in to a swimming pool has gone viral.

The video, filmed by Utah Swim Academy, is designed to encourage parents to allow their youngsters to 'fall into water' in order for them to develop a survival instinct in an 'uncontrollable situation'.

However, the footage is undeniably uncomfortable to watch, and has been condemned by people worried a child could drown.

Shared by PregnancyVideo.Net, the caption reads: "5 months old and saving himself.

"It is never easy to watch a baby fall in a pool, but it is so worth it to have the peace of mind that comes when you know your baby will know what to do if they fall in the water in an uncontrollable situation."

Some social media users were quick to agree with the video, and praised the actions.

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The baby instinctively turned to face the air
The baby instinctively turned to face the air. Picture: Utah Swim Academy

Despite the baby being closely monitored by an adult, not everyone is on board with the notion and slammed it as cruel and unnecessary.

The video has received over 25,000 likes and almost 9,000 retweets.

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