Why Is It Important To Teach Kids To Swim?
The most important reason we should teach children to swim is safety. We must not forget that this is an important skill for survival. The statistics confirm it: a total of 728 children would survive each year simply by knowing how to swim.
Swimming is a complete physical activity as it requires children to actively engage their bodies and minds while having fun. One of the great benefits of swimming is that children can start swimming as soon as they are six months old.
Children will learn to be comfortable in the water, bubble and hold their breath. In addition, every formal swimming program includes teaching children to float on their backs and how to float.
Learning about this has great benefits. Among other issues, the child can literally save himself from a dangerous situation. The little ones are constantly exposed to many dangers: rivers, lakes, piers, a boat trip, a swimming pool.
Also, the sooner you start teaching your child to swim, the more their physical and mental health will improve.
10 reasons to teach kids to swim
1. It is essential for your safety
Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths in children aged 0-14. Therefore, it is vital that all children know how to swim from an early age.
However, it is important for parents to make sure their children feel comfortable and safe in and around the water.
2. It’s a low impact sport
Since swimming is practiced in water, the body is 90% floating. Therefore, there is no impact with the ground due to gravity.
In addition, swimming provides resistance training: it is an ideal activity to tone shoulders, arms, back and abs.
3. Swimming is one of the most complete sports
Contributes to physical, emotional and neurological development. In addition, it also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, strengthens lung capacity – increasing resistance to childhood asthma – and improves metabolism.
4. It’s a low-cost activity
You can find public lakes and community pools. They are available in many cities. In addition, some elementary and high schools include swimming in their sport programs and many universities offer scholarships for this sport.
5. Swimming is a social activity
As such, it allows children to interact with their peers. Thus, it is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn social skills and establish friendly relationships.
6. The child will learn the value of teamwork, self-motivation and goal setting.
Swimming provides challenges, achievements and rewards . All of this will help our child to have confidence in himself and to believe in his abilities, thus strengthening his self-esteem.
7. Learning to swim is a lifelong skill
Offering children the opportunity to learn to swim is a great gift that will stay with them forever and improve their physical and mental health.
8. Swimming makes our body release endorphins
With this, the possibility of suffering from depressive conditions is reduced and the mood improves immediately.
9. Swimming is highly recommended for children with disabilities
Children with autism love water. This environment gives them a state of tranquility that makes them feel better.
10. Learn to swim as a base for other sports
This skill opens the door to the practice of other water sports. Some of them are diving, canoeing, surfing, triathlon and kayaking.
Parents play a key role in the process of teaching their children to swim. Their presence provides security and stability for the children, strengthening family ties.
Tips for Parent Coaches
Here are some suggestions to consider when teaching children to swim:
- It is necessary to teach them to swim as quickly as possible. It is advisable for the child to learn before the age of six.
- In order for them to get used to the water, it is necessary to motivate children and take them to pools where other children are playing. This will reaffirm the association between water and fun.
- Parents must enter the pool and accompany their child for as long as they wish.
- The best thing is to turn classes into a game, thus drawing the attention of the little ones.
- Parent coaches should not pressure children. Adults need to relax.
- A relaxed environment will certainly make your child enjoy the experience and be motivated to learn to swim. Everything should be a positive experience so that she will want to come back.
With these basics, but effective, the task of teaching children to swim can be simplified a little. As we mentioned, the benefits are enormous and, most importantly, this is a tool your child will be able to carry for a lifetime.
