Start Swim Lesons Sooner Rather than Later

Are you considering swim lessons for your child this summer? Are you wondering if they are still too young and maybe you’ll wait another year? My advice to you would be not to wait. There are many benefits to children learning to swim sooner rather than later. For example, fewer children are drowning, more are staying active and healthy reducing obesity, and it shows advanced cognitive function.

Reduced Risk of Drowing

The first bonus to beginning swim lessons earlier in childhood is the reduced likelihood of drowning. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional deaths for children ages 1 to 4 according to the Center for Disease Control. Lessons begin with safety precautions around the pool or body of water. These lessons are good to know for parents as well as young children. If the child is a true beginner the first goal will be to know what to do if the swimmer falls into the pool. Infant survival can be taught as young as 6 months old. Personally, I was 7 months old when I got pushed into the pool in my walker. That was in February, the following May I was enrolled in a Infant Survival Rescue program. By my first birthday I could float on my back, kick to the side of the pool, and get out with assistance.

Increased Lifelong Activity

Along with drowning, childhood obesity is another issue our nation is facing. Starting swim lessons early leads to a healthy respect for the water in children. When children respect the water and are comfortable in and around it they are more likely to jump in and be active in the pool. Water activity, even if it’s just splashing around and playing with friends is a good form of exercise for children. When a child is introduced to swimming by lessons it is easy to transition to a swim team where they learn more technical strokes. Even if your child does not stick to swimming, having a solid background in activity and sports will remain with them through their childhood and adolescence. Remaining active growing up will lead to a decreased risk in childhood obesity and health problems.

Advanced Cognitive Function

While beginning swimming early will have many positive physical aspects it is also been proven to have an impact on children’s brain function. According to a study done by Griffith University which involved swim schools from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States children under the age of 5 involved in swim lessons were more advanced in their cognitive and physical function than children of the same age who were not. The swimming group also scored high in IQ tests. In swim lessons children are taught to follow directions and even do some problem solving while in the water. This early cognitive and physical stimulation accelerates swimmers in those areas.

It is almost never too early to get your child started. Swim lessons early in childhood will only benefit your child in safety, health, and cognitive function along with many other areas of their development. So, if you are considering signing your child up for swim lessons don’t hesitate and get them started!

By: Emma Kemmaknopppic.
Swim Instructor in Inland Empire
Growing up around many bodies of water in North Florida swimming becomes part of you. I spent 10 years swimming competitively for private clubs as well as my schools. I went to regional and state swim meets in my high school years. I also served as captain my senior year. I spent 5 years as an Ocean Rescue lifeguard with an additional 3 in a pool environment. In my free time I surf and have competed in lifeguard and triathlon competitions. I hope to pass on my water safety knowledge and skills to others so they can enjoy it as much as I do.