Reasons Children Should Learn to Swim

There are plenty of reasons children should learn how to swim--it's nothing new. Ancient rock paintings and wall drawings from Egypt and Babylon were found to have depictions of people swimming, confirming the ancient practice of swimming deep waters. Some swimmers are in pursuit of recreation and others a hobby of interest. Swimming is even believed to rehabilitate muscular and cardiovascular injuries.

For all the right reasons, learning to swim is a matter of safety and enjoyment. Because it can prevent drowning, young children should be taught swimming as early in life as possible.

Safety 

Drowning is believed to be the second leading cause of death for children aged one through fourteen, with most of the accidents taking place in parents' presence. Because we live in Florida, there is an abundance of pools, water features, and, naturally, the ocean. Ensuring that children are comfortable in the water is crucial to their safety.  Swimming prepares them to face unexpected challenges in water even when there aren't any adults around.

Builds Confidence

Controlled breathing and water independence can impact a child's self-esteem and adds to their confidence. Various swimming strokes and skills in water make children self-reliant and responsible. 

Health Benefits

Swimming is an excellent stress buster and is known for lowering depression. An excellent exercise to improve muscle definition, it makes the body flexible as well as durable. It keeps the heart and lungs healthy. Regular practice in water will improve a child's balance and posture while increasing their overall stamina. It also reduces inflammation and can improve asthma. Swimming is something that'll stay with your children forever, allowing them to remain healthy and active. 

How a parent can get started

While official swimming classes for children have been postponed, a parent can help their child become comfortable in the water by merely introducing them to the water slowly and with lots of patience! Letting them hold onto the side of the pool and kick their legs will create a body memory that will come back to help them when they do learn to swim. The child can be buoyed up by holding them up at mid-body so they can learn arm movements. Remember: never let a child go or leave them unattended. Teaching them to have fun in the water without danger will mitigate their initial fears and make them more open to the swimming process when they finally learn how to swim.

Keeping it clean

Providing a clean and healthy pool to children should be prioritized for a healthy practice environment. A professional pool service can ensure regular testing of chemical levels for seasonal or year-round maintenance, leaving parents free to enjoy their pool and children.

Flawless Image Pool Service is a veteran-owned and operated residential pool maintenance team for Hillsborough County. Our Certified Pool Operators provide top-notch pool maintenance, 20 years of experience and reliable service. Call 813-536-3941 today!