Swimming is not just a fun and healthy activity, it is also an important skill that every child should master because it can save his or her life and it can also save the lives of others. In fact, a study done by R.A. Brenner showed that there is a positive link between swimming lessons and drowning prevention.
Brenner's study reported that children between the ages of 1 to 4 who had formal swimming lessons can survive in water and there is 88% reduction in their risk of drowning. But of course this can only be possible if the children had proper swimming lessons and they are not just taught by their parents.
Swimming instructors teach children swimming techniques and they help children relax in the water and be independent. Instructors can also help children learn different strokes, swim in longer distances and deeper areas and practice ways to help them if they experience cramps or accidents while they are in the water.
Reasons why children should take swimming lessons
Aside from building up a very helpful and life saving skill, there are other reasons why you should enroll your child in swimming lessons this summer:
Social Skills
Since swimming classes are usually comprised of small groups, your child will be able to interact with other children who are learning the same skill. This can be an opportunity for them to make friends outside of their school, and swimming can be their own playtime. Swimming teachers include activities and games to make the class more interactive and to make the children feel comfortable in the pool.
Health and Fitness
Swimming is fun and it is a really good exercise, especially for children who still have developing respiratory system. According to fitness experts, swimming is one of the best forms of cardio because you get to use your whole body. It is effective in strengthening muscles, joints and bones.
Since children are very active and they are full of energy, swimming can help them be as active as they want and it is also an effective way to help them release their pent-up energy. The swimming pool is a safe and enclosed environment with lifeguards and instructors supervising your child's every move, and if your child can swim, there won't be any restriction in his or her movement. Swimming is also a sure way to help fight childhood obesity because it is a known exercise that can help burn calories fast.
Safety
As your child grows up, there will be more instances where your child will come into contact with water. Your child may travel with friends and go to the beach or go on a boat trip, he or she may go cliff diving or attend a pool party, all of which requires the ability to swim. Whatever the case may be, you will be at ease knowing that your child can handle himself because he can handle being in the water. And of course if something bad happens, your child can help other's too.
Swimming is undeniably a very important life skill that can help save your child's life and it can also allow your child to enjoy different adventures and experiences in the future.
ALSO READ: Teach Your Toddlers How To Swim With These Simple Steps
