Benefits of Kids Learning to Swim Early in Life

By: Hannah Stevens

The benefit of your child learning how to swim is arguably just as important as the benefit of your child learning how to walk. And these benefits are social, psychological and physical, not to mention protecting your child’s safety around any type of water. Consider the following benefits of enrolling your child in swim lessons early in life:

Safety

The first and foremost reason to teach your child early how to swim is to prevent the likelihood of drowning. Did you know that 8 out of 10 children who drown do so in front of their parents? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 through 4. The earlier you expose your child to swim lessons, the more prepared he or she will be in the case of a water hazard. However, even with swim lessons, your child should be supervised at all times while in water.

Social

Swimming is an excellent way to build confidence and self-esteem in a child and offers him or her the opportunity to build social skills and meet new friends. During this critical development period early in life, swimming can even help with personality development, leading to greater happiness and health as part of holistic child development. Early trust-building that reduces fear is so essential early in development, and learning how to swim helps foster these qualities. Learning how to swim builds confidence in individuality as it represents a challenge accomplished, and learning how to succeed as part of a team can also be established.

Psychological

Swimming from an early age also enhances gross motor skill development and coordination, as well as cognitive functioning. At a very early age, using both sides of the body to carry out an action, such as paddling and kicking in the water, helps an infant’s brain grow. Swimming fosters two-way communication and feedback in the brain leads to better reading skills, language development, writing, and spatial awareness. The bonding between caregiver and infant or child through swim lessons together is vital to hitting child development milestones as well.

Physical

Swimming is a powerful sport that keeps a child’s lungs and heart-healthy, builds muscle, increases flexibility, and adds stamina. Swimming also improves and reinforces good posture, coordination, and balance. Children of any age or ability can participate in swimming, where swimming is accessible as a low impact sport. Learning how to swim makes the following sports possible: kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, surfing, triathlon, and yachting. Such advanced opportunities give children opportunities to stay physically active and accomplish personal goals. Swimming burns energy, leading to an increased appetite and improved sleeping patterns, helping you with putting your child to sleep.

Swimming is a fundamental skill that transforms your child’s natural abilities and development for an enriched life. Take advantage of what swimming has to offer in a way that can change your child’s life!

This article is brought to you by: The Swimming Swan