Why It’s Good to Teach Swimming at a Young Age
There are many benefits to teaching a child to swim at a young age. One of the biggest is the decreased risk of drowning. Another is the positive reinforcement of lessons. Children learn by watching others, so it’s a positive experience for them.
Building confidence in the water
One of the many benefits of teaching children to swim at a young age is that they are more likely to learn other skills in the future. Studies have shown that children who learn to swim before they are five are more self-disciplined, motivated, and self-aware. This benefits their overall development, which carries over to schoolwork. Moreover, introducing children to swimming at an early stage is good for their health and development. As swimming is low-impact, it encourages children to exercise even when they have no other time to do so. One session of swimming can burn up to 300 calories.
In addition to improving your child’s overall health and well-being, teaching your child how to swim can also help them develop confidence and overcome their fears. Children learn how to swim at a young age when they are less likely to develop a fear of the water, allowing them to develop a greater sense of safety in the water. And children enjoy the water when they are familiar with how to swim, and it also helps them gain self-confidence. For details on Liverpool Children swimming Lessons, contact www.swim.co.uk/baby/venues/liverpool-south
Why early lessons need care
There are many programmes for young children that teach swimming and roll-and-float survival techniques. However, it is not recommended to submerge infants for swimming lessons. The infants’ reflex to hold breath in water is very limited, and by six months, they lose the ability to maintain their body temperature in cool water.
There are several tips to find a good swimming instructor at varying ages. One of the most important tips is to choose a swimming instructor whose approach is suited to the age of your child. Getting started early is important as some children do not feel confident in the water as they are told it’s scary by adults. It is therefore important to think about the needs of your child before bringing him or her to the swimming class.
Choosing the right instructor
Make sure the instructor is certified and works under the guidelines of an accredited agency. Look for a low student-teacher ratio, which is perfect for young children. The instructor should be close by and able to monitor the entire group. The teacher should also be certified in CPR. The instructor should have a good experience in teaching young children.
Summary
Teaching children to swim from a young age reduces the risk of drowning and helps build wider skills, since children who learn before five tend to be more self-disciplined. Swimming is low-impact exercise that also helps build confidence and reduce fear of water, though infants shouldn’t be submerged during early lessons due to their limited ability to hold their breath. A certified instructor with a low student-teacher ratio helps ensure lessons are safe and effective.
Questions this article raises
- At what age can children safely start swimming lessons?
- Why shouldn’t infants be submerged during swim lessons?
- What qualifications should a good swimming instructor have?
