Why Swim Lessons are Important

Summer is right around the corner – and you know what that means – it’s swimming season! Whether you’re about to open your backyard pool, or you’re planning on spending time at the pool in your community, it’s important that you and your child know how to swim. It’s not enough for kids to just feel comfortable in the water. Having the skills to swim is vital.  

According to the CDC, 37% of American adults cannot swim. From 2004-2014, there was an average of 3,536 fatalities from drownings in the United States (non-boat related). Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury. Learning to swim isn’t just a childhood activity; it’s an essential life skill that can save the life of you or your child one day.

Let’s discuss the many benefits to knowing how to swim and why you may want to enroll in swim lessons before the summer starts!

Swim with Confidence

For beginning swimmers, swim lessons focus on getting comfortable in the water. Many children are afraid to get their faces wet, and some will go into complete panic if they fall into the water. Exposing your child to the water will tame some of these fears, but it’s not until they develop the appropriate skills that they can truly build confidence.

Get More from Your Workouts

Swimming is one of the best cardio activities around, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. In order to get the full benefits from swimming, you must know how to use all parts of your body: arms, legs, core, etc. Standing around and floating isn’t going to give you the health benefits you’re looking for – though it’s still better than sitting on the couch!

Long-Lasting Skill

Being in the water is something that many people enjoy long into their adult and older adult years. Whether it’s boating, water skiing, fishing or relaxing on the pontoon, many people feel connected to nature when they’re by the water. Learning how to swim is a skill that can be enjoyed for the rest of your life – there’s no expiration date. As a low-impact workout, swimming is a safe alternative for older adults compared to biking or running.

Develop Teamwork and Individuality

Most sports focus on working together as a team. Teamwork teaches us to support one another, solve conflict and blend together strengths. Yet unlike other sports, swimming also has an individual component to it. You’re always trying to improve your skills, beat your best times and crush your personal records, so it’s a sport that rewards you both socially and mentally.

As you can see, knowing how to swim – not just doggy paddle or float – is an incredible skill for both kids and adults. Before the summer starts, consider enrolling in swim lessons to improve your skills and have the utmost confidence and control near the water.