Why Is It So Important For Children To Learn To Swim?
The main reason why children should learn to swim is for their own safety. Let us not forget that it is an ability that saves lives! The statistics show this clearly. A total of 728 children would survive each year if they only knew how to swim.
Children can actually start swimming when they are as young as 6 months. With baby swimming, they learn early on to be comfortable in the water, blow bubbles and hold their breath. A more complete swimming program includes teaching them to float on their backs and tread water.
Learning to swim is hugely rewarding. Among many other benefits, it can literally save a child from a dangerous situation. Children are constantly exposed to danger: rivers, lakes, piers, boat trips, pools… The earlier children learn to swim, the more it contributes to their overall mental and physical health.
10 reasons why your children should learn to swim
1. It is important for the safety of the child
Drowning is the second largest unintended cause of death among children aged 0-14 years. It is important that children learn to swim from a young age. As parents, we must ensure that our children are always safe in and around water.
2. Swimming is a gentle sport for the body
Gravity is not as taxing on the body in the water, while s fogging provides resistance training. It is the perfect activity to strengthen the shoulders, arms, back and abdomen.
3. Swimming is one of the most complete sports
It contributes to a child’s physical, emotional and neurological development. At the same time, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and improves metabolism. It also increases lung capacity, which makes it easier for children with asthma.
4. It is very budget friendly
Many cities have public pools and lakes that families can access for free or at a very low cost. All Swedish schools have swimming lessons as part of the curriculum and many universities offer their students the opportunity to swim.
5. Swimming is a social activity
It is a great opportunity for children to learn social skills and establish friendships while swimming.
6. Children learn the value of teamwork, motivating themselves and setting goals
Swimming offers challenges and opportunities for achievements and rewards. It helps children develop self-confidence and belief in their abilities.
7. Swimming is a skill that children will use for the rest of their lives
Giving children the opportunity to learn to swim is a huge gift that accompanies them for the rest of their lives. Swimming contributes to children’s lifelong physical and mental health.
8. It causes the body to release endorphins
When you swim, the body releases endorphins that reduce the risk of depression and that the mood improves at once.
9. Swimming is highly recommended for children with disabilities
For example, children with autism usually love water. The swimming environment gives them peace that makes them feel better.
10. Learning to swim provides a foundation for other sports
If you can swim, it opens the door to other water sports, such as sailing, diving, kayaking, kayaking, surfing, triathlon, water polo, etc.
Tips for parents to help your children learn to swim
Below is a list of suggestions to think about when teaching your children to swim:
- Teach children to swim as fast as possible. It is best before they reach 6 years of age.
- In order for the children to become a little more interested in learning to swim, it is important for them to see other children swim and have fun. It helps them associate swimming with having fun.
- Follow us into the water and stay with the children for as long as they want.
- The best thing you can do is teach them through play and capture their attention by having fun.
- It is important not to pressure them. Be as relaxed as possible so that the children can also relax.
- A relaxed environment helps them enjoy the activity and motivates them to learn to swim. Do your best to make it a positive experience that they will want to repeat.
