Swimming is more than just a fun pastime to enjoy during the summer — it’s a life-saving skill. Learning how to swim contributes to a child’s development in many ways. The water safety skills kids learn during swimming lessons will stay with them for the rest of their lives. However, swimming benefits also include mental and physical development, advanced social skills and confidence.
SAFETY SKILLS
Swimming is a life skill every child should learn. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one-fifth of people who lose their lives from drowning are younger than 14. Swim lessons have been shown to reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent. You can enhance your kids’ safety in water by teaching them how to swim.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Swimming is a great way to keep your children active and healthy all year long! Swimming not only helps build endurance but also improves a child’s strength, flexibility, balance and posture. Children who swim regularly can avoid health problems later in life, such as obesity and heart conditions.
IMPROVED SOCIAL SKILLS
Swim lessons allow your children to interact with others, improving their development of a valuable social engagement which helps them to improve their social skills outside of school too. For children under the age of 5, swim lessons can be among the first social experiences outside the home. This instructional time fosters the natural social desire we have to relate and interact with each other as well as sportsmanship and self--discipline. Because of the low intensity of the activity, many people find swimming to be relaxing and enjoyable, which helps boosts your overall mood.
INCREASED MENTAL DEVELOPMENT
When started at an early age, swimming exercises allow children to develop their mind/body connection that improves brain development and intelligence. Brain and emotional development also increase the stimulation of children’s senses when swimming regularly. A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study revealed that infants up to age 5, who participated in swimming lessons demonstrated better balance and motor skills than those who didn't participte in swim lessons at age 5.
STRESS RELIEF
Whether it's the relaxing feeling of floating or actively swimming, being in the water has a calming effect for most people. Plus, active people are healthier and happier because exercise releases endorphins (the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals) and reduces cortisol (the stress hormone). That increase in endorphins also helps to relieve stress in children.
DEVELOPS CONFIDENCE
Swimming for the first time can be nerve-racking, scary and intimidating. When children overcome fears by learning to swim, they develop confidence and self-esteem. With every kick and stroke, kids become more confident in their abilities. These small wins add up to a big sense of accomplishment. Being confident helps children thrive in social situations. Success with swimming improves self-esteem and leads to a more positive attitude about physical activity. (or something like this – it was just awkwardly worded).
Learning to swim is an essential life skill and as the largest provider of swim lessons in the country, the Y is ready to safely serve you! Our 30-minute private and semi-private lessons with experienced instructors follow all health and safety guidelines to keep swimmers and their families safe. Find a lesson that best fits your skill level and schedule here.