Kids should be encouraged to be confident swimmers

Sadly, drowning is the third-leading cause of death worldwide according to the World Health Organisation. Those most at risk are ages 1 – 4, followed closely by children aged 5 – 9.

But don’t get hung up on this rather morbid set of statistics. Swimming is a hugely rewarding activity for children.

 

Saving lives and having fun

Swimming is a fundamental life skill. Learning how to swim properly is the key to bringing down these numbers. Swimming lessons are a fun and practical way for children to children to become water-savvy. Above all, swimming lessons teach them safety.

There are many children that master the art of swimming before they’ve even learned to stand, and to them, we take our hats off. However, statistics from Swim England show that a worrying number of children have not had this luxury.

Almost one-third of eleven-year-olds leave primary school unable to swim. A worrying two-thirds of parents feared that their child could not save themselves in the water. Ideally, parents need to get their children in the water at an early stage. The earlier kids start, the more swimming becomes second nature to them.

 

What other benefits come with learning to swim?

 

A healthy body and mind 

Swimming is proven to reduce the risk of health-issues such as childhood obesity, whilst relieving stress and boosting endorphins. Regular swimmers will tell you that there’s nothing more calming than climbing into their local pool at the end of a long day.

Increased fitness

Swimming is a fantastic way to engage all the body’s major muscle groups. It improves children’s strength and flexibility, which helps with posture - because we all know how susceptible kids are to slouching!

Improved self-confidence

Exercise is a happy circle. On its own, it can improve body image and develop important learning skills. But progression in these areas will also improve a child’s self-confidence, which will only encourage them to keep going for gold in all that they do.  

Swimming is not the only water sport

Scuba diving, windsurfing, water polo, surfing, kayaking – you name it! Learning to swim is a gateway to a plethora of fun water-based activities. Many of these can also be taught in a pool.

 

Learn to swim at Impulse Leisure

Our very own iSwim swimming lessons are produced by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and is an all-inclusive programme which takes the non-swimmer from their first splash developing confidence and competence in the water. Learn more about every stage of our iSwim programme here.