Apr 26

Written by:
26/04/2011 9:39 PM 

There are plenty of wonderful reasons to teach your child to swim, and being part of that process can be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences a parent can have with their child. Swimming encourages fun and learning, and helps a child develop confidence and a positive self- image. Research has shown that early swimmers perform better both socially and academically and that swimming from an early age enhances not only gross motor skill development and coordination but also the personality development of a child...so swimming contributes to the happiness, health and development of the "whole" child. And if that hasn’t convinced you to get wet with your child, here are some more reasons to get you motivated! - Swimming offers a wonderful respite from the summer heat! Is there a better sensation than jumping in the pool or swimming at the beach when the temperature rises on a sweltering QLD day? - Introducing children to water at an early age promotes an awareness of water that ensures the child remains confident and relaxed around water. Exposure to the meditative effects of water in a child’s infant years reduces the likelihood of the child developing a fear of water or experiencing panic attacks around water in later years. - Socialisation skills are enhanced through the various opportunities to interact with instructors and other parents and their children when taking swim lessons. Children learn to relate with each other and develop their first friendships. - The shared learning and the allocation of a shared ‘us’ time serves to strengthen the bond between parent and child. - There are physical benefits, including the full-body cardiovascular and respiratory workout afforded by swimming which develops not only a child’s stamina and muscle strength using the water as resistance, but also a child’s capacity to concentrate. Children who swim tend to be stronger and more coordinated. - With rising levels of childhood obesity, a physical activity like swimming should be promoted. Swimming burns calories, anywhere from 500-650 calories per hour and, coupled with its low impact nature, it’s a great workout. - For an overweight child movement in water is easier than on land, so swimming offers a means for an overweight child to get fit while avoiding the discomfort that land-based exercising may sometimes present. - Children who swim year round have been found to be more self-disciplined, and to have increased self-confidence and motivation to succeed. Consider the academic value of swimming if indeed, as is believed, there are intelligence and problem-solving benefits afforded by swimming that carry over into school work. - As swimming is an ambidextrous activity and uses both sides of the brain, it is thought to aid a child in learning to read and write. - Swimming helps children learn to set goals, and to work towards achieving these goals. - For children with asthma, swimming is a physical activity less likely to trigger asthma symptoms and allows asthmatics to enjoy exercise whilst improving their lung capacity, breathing and overall fitness. - A continuously fostered positive relationship with the water will open the door to a whole range of water sports and activities in aquatic venues. - Children who exercise at a young age are more likely to continue to exercise into adulthood, and to remain healthy and live a more balanced lifestyle. - Swimming is a low impact activity which, if actively continued, can ensure a lifetime of health and fitness! Most importantly, swimming is the only sport that can be potentially lifesaving! Given all the confirmed quality-of-life benefits afforded by swimming, it is no wonder it is cited as a favourite activity of so many. Swim lessons establish a positive foundation for a lifetime of participation and fun in and around the water. So, take the plunge and enjoy the aquatic journey.....it’s never too late to start and the benefits of swimming will stay with you for life! Julia Ham is a former Australian swimming representative. She operates Hampton Swim School, Morningside which specializes in aquatic classes for children from 3 months of age to adults. Contact 3399 2004 or www.hamptonswimschool.com.au © 2010 Julia Ham/Hampton Swim School Pty Ltd