Learning to swim is an essential life skill that every child should have. It can help to prevent drowning, improve physical fitness, and boost confidence. However, it is important to make sure that children learn to swim in a positive and supportive environment where they feel safe and happy.
There are many benefits to learning to swim at an early age. A study by Professor Robyn Jorgensen, published in the journal Pediatrics in 2015, found that children who participated in early years swimming programs achieved many milestones earlier than the average population. The study also found that swimming children performed significantly better than the normal population across physical, cognitive, social and linguistic measures. This was regardless of social background and gender.
The study found that early swimming lessons can help children to develop:
Stronger muscles and bones: Swimming is a great way to exercise the whole body. It helps to build strong muscles and bones, which can reduce the risk of injuries.
Better cardiovascular health: Swimming is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints. It can help to improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and lungs.
Better balance and coordination: Swimming requires children to use their bodies in different ways. This can help to improve balance and coordination, which can be beneficial in other areas of life, such as sports and dance.
Greater confidence: Learning to swim can give children a sense of accomplishment and confidence. This can be beneficial in other areas of life, such as school and social interactions.
In addition to the physical benefits, swimming can also provide a number of social and emotional benefits for children. Swimming can help children to learn about water safety, develop new friendships, and build confidence. It can also be a fun and enjoyable activity for children of all ages.
If you are considering enrolling your child in swimming lessons, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it is important to choose a program that is appropriate for your child’s age and skill level. There are many different types of swimming programs available, so it is important to find one that is a good fit for your child. Instructors should be certified by a reputable organisation, such as the American Red Cross or the YMCA.
Finally, it is important to make sure that your child is comfortable in the water before enrolling them in swimming lessons. Start by taking your child to the pool or beach and let them play in the water. Once they are comfortable in the water, you can start looking for swimming lessons.
Learning to swim can be a great way to help your child stay safe and healthy. By choosing a quality program and making sure that your child is comfortable in the water, you can help your child learn to swim and enjoy the many benefits that swimming has to offer.
We’ve broken our recent Youtube Video down to chapters so it is easy to navigate throughout:
Chapters 0:10 Kicking 0:20 Breath Control 0:37 Independent Swimming 1:04 Clap and Splash 2:45 Down Turn Around 3:50 Floating Mat 4:00 Run and Jump 4:18 Monkey Wall
These chapters highlight some of the key topics in Robyn Jorgensens study.
References:
Jorgensen, R. (2015). The benefits of early years swimming programs. Pediatrics, 136(2), e516-e523. doi:10.1542/peds.2014-2894