7 Ways Swim Lessons Benefit a Child's Development

Eager parents often ask, “At what age should my child be taught how to swim?”

Recent studies suggest that swim lessons and water survival skills start being beneficial to children as early as ages 1 to 4 years old. The AAP recommends swim lessons as a layer of protec

tion against drowning that can begin for many children as early as 1 year old.

Here are 7 of the many benefits of early swim lessons for younger children:

Reduces the Risk of Drowning

In the United States, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children under the age of 5. Most of the drownings in this age group occur in their swimming pools at home. This is exactly why children need to learn swimming and water survival skills at an early age.

Learning to swim is a process, not an event. Just like walking, even before the child takes their first step, they first learn to sit, to pull up, and stand. They struggle to take a step and eventually learn how to walk. In swimming, infant-toddler instructors facilitate and guide the child in the process of learning water safety, as well as provide a critical level of safety to this age group that is highly susceptible to drowning.

“THE PARTICIPATION IN A FORMAL SWIM LESSON REDUCES THE RISK OF DROWNING BY 88%.”

Improves Cognitive Functioning

By simply moving their hands and kicking their feet in the water, the child’s brain is well-stimulated. Providing learning opportunities in the water makes the different parts of their brain interact more efficiently. This is why positive experiences and stimulation in swimming are vital in the early years of life.

A 2014 Griffith University study has shown that children who were given early exposure in water activities achieved milestones sooner than their peers who did not have early aquatic experience. It concluded that infant-toddler swim lessons make children more advanced mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially.

Improve Coordination and Balance

With their body being supported by the water, water activities in the pool improve your baby’s coordination and balance.

When a swim instructor utilizes a floating rubber mat for the child to walk or crawl across, the goal is to help balance, coordination, and vestibular development. Another activity with the same purpose is the use of a kickboard wherein kicking movements help the child coordinate both sides of the body to move through the water.

A study from Lancaster University compared baby swimmers against a group of children with no swimming activities. The exercises included walking on tiptoes, balancing on one foot, skipping rope, rolling a ball into a goal, and catching a frisbee. The results were apparent – the baby swimmers became the best in exercises related to balance and coordination.

Promotes Muscle Development

Even before a baby can walk, the basic movement of holding their head up, moving their arms and legs, among other vital body movements, require muscle strength. Infants and toddlers who participate in swimming use more muscle groups than those who do other types of physical activity.

Moreover, swim lessons at an early age give the child a head start in building muscle strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness necessary for a lifetime of enjoyable non-impact exercise ahead.

Builds Confidence

Young children are such eager learners that mastering a new skill gives them a lot to be happy and proud of. Learning a thing or two after every swim lesson may enhance their self-esteem. It is likewise an opportunity for the child to expand their experience with the world around them.

A 2009 study showed that 4-year old children who took swim classes from 2 months to 4 years of age as compared to non-swimmers of the same age range were:

• Better in adapting to new situations
• More independent and self-confident
• More comfortable mingling with peers and caregivers
• More determined to accomplish a task

Improves Sleep Routine

When a baby uses up a lot of energy during a swim class, the body will naturally be induced to rest. This makes the baby sleepier after a session of kicking and moving their body in different ways in the water. Extra time for a nap after time in the pool boosts the baby’s physical and mental growth.

Better Appetite

If feeding your child with vegetables during meals is a daunting task, bring out those veggies after their swim session! Post-swimming appetite is usually at its peak during this point. All the energy exerted in the water would make them hungrier than usual.

Nancy's bio:

Sunsational Swim Instructor in San Diego, CA

Hi. I'm teacher Nancy, a former varsity swimmer, triathlete and dragon boat rower who graduated with an Economics degree from De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines. I completed the US Swim School Association's Infant Toddler Instructor Education Course and taught swimming to kids ages 2 to 10 yrs old. My lifelong passion for water sports and my love of children ultimately make this a dream job. My goal: To teach swimming as a fun physical activity and a life skill.