With safety being a priority, there are various reasons why children should learn to swim. However, they should never be left unattended around the water whether they know how to swim or not. Once the safety of children is ensured then it is easier for them to enjoy all the benefits that come with learning to swim especially for the beginners.
The first benefit is being safe while in water. Drowning is rated as the second prime cause of death for children under the age of 18 years. For this reason, it is very important to establish as well as teach children all the basic safety rules around the pool. This will in return help them develop a respect for water; in terms of mortality. These rules include; not running around the pool; never to dive in the shallow end; never push each other into the swimming pool. These simple rules can help avoid tragedies.
Another benefit is in terms of fitness development. Majority of the children do not like the idea of exercising. However, swimming is never considered an exercise to children because it is fun; but is an excellent form of exercise. It is important to ensure all children get adequate exercise as they grow; swimming helps them develop strong bones as well as muscles, endorse weight control and help them sustain flexibility. Exercise also promotes good sleeping habits and that is what the children will get; good night’s sleep.
All skills are unique; when your child acquires the skill of swimming it will stay with them for the rest of their life. It is like learning to ride a bicycle. They also get to advance from the basic skills like floating to other techniques like butterfly stroke and back stroke among others. Every step in swimming is a learning stepping stone and children can develop self confidence in all their accomplishments as explained on https://www.swimhub.com.sg/ website. The child also develops life skills from being persistent in learning how to swim. It is not an easy skill to acquire but worthwhile; they can learn that some things do not come easy but they are still worthwhile. They learn how to deal with failure after the first trials, pressure as well as sense of pride once they acquire the skill. The will also have social benefit; it is a great forum for children to make friends and build strong bonds.
Swimming also benefits children with learning difficulties. It is a recreational activity which gives them a social and physical outlet to built confidence, relieve stress and just have fun. Children with these disabilities tend to be very lonely and withdrawn; swimming can help them build their confidence. They also get an opportunity to keep fit, have increased lung capacity, stretch their muscles as well as avoid massive injuries; the main reason why most parents would lock them up. The gentle pressure against the child’s body is also calming and can assist children who are autistic. However, they all need keen supervision and guidance.