Whether you’re a strong swimmer yourself or not you will recognize that water safety is ultra important for children, they need to respect water and be able to swim if they should find themselves in a situation where they are in water and there is no adult around. That is why many parents are taking their children to baby swimming school to develop swimming skills earlier on.
What are the Benefits of Baby Swimming School?
Swimming classes for babies of 12 weeks to 6 months are designed to build a foundation of water safety in a child while they are young, so that as they get older they will not only feel comfortable in water, but they will naturally know how to breathe and react when in water, and will quickly pick up swimming strokes and skills. This type of activity is an opportunity for bonding between the baby and its parent, and something many Father’s like to do with their child, to teach them some of their first life skills. Baby swimming instructors introduce age-appropriate water acclimation drills which help the baby to feel comfortable in water, and find their balance so they can first of all float ready to learn to swim in the coming months.
Why Should You Teach Swimming to Children Early on in Their Development?
Swimming is a healthy leisure activity for kids which not only promotes exercise and good fun but is also a life skill which could save their life at some point. The statistics are shocking, that 20% of all drowning deaths are children under 14, and 80% of those deaths occur in the presence of the parents. So often the parent is powerless to help. If you leave it until your child is in the sea at the age of 7+ to teach them to swim, this is a very dangerous environment, and they will struggle to learn. Whereas if taught from infancy they will be a strong and competent swimmer by the age of 7 and be able to save their own life if put in a dangerous situation in the water. Swimming lessons lessen the risk of drowning by almost 90%.
Currently in the USA 50% of children have no or low swimming ability, which puts them at risk of drowning. Not having confidence in water will effect their future, leaving them behind their peers who enjoy water activities on vacation or as extra-curricular activity. Swimming lessons from young promote physical strength, agility, safety awareness and confidence.
Swimming Lessons for Older Children
As children get older they will develop their experience in the pool and be able to be taught diving, swimming strokes, swimming under water, rescue and other skills which will further develop their confidence and abilities. Many high schools have swimming teams and children who swim regularly on their own time up to then have the ability and athleticism to be selected for the school team. This give them a big advantage and may qualify them for a scholarship at college.
