Benefits of children learning to swim

Swimming lessons are still one of the most popular extra-curricular activities that children enjoy. Parents enrol their children for swimming lessons for varying reasons, including safety, exercise and social interaction. Here's a closer look at some of those key benefits.

Health and Safety
Swimming is an excellent form of low-impact cardiovascular exercise for the whole body. Children's bodies are constantly changing as they develop and grow and it is important they gain enough exercise to burn off both excess energy and fat. Burning off this excess energy will help your child get a good night's sleep, which has numerous benefits in itself.

Swimming also helps to develop strong bones and muscles, and promotes flexibility and co-ordination. According to recent research commissioned by Speedo, swimming can also help to reduce stress and relieve tension.

It is important, however, that children learn how to respect water as early as possible, as even the most confident of swimmers can get into trouble in the water. Children should always be supervised around water, even once they have learnt how to swim.

Self-confidence and life skills
With every new stroke a child learns, they will be developing self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Learning to swim will also help your child learn how to set goals and persevere until they have reached their target. Swimming is also a great means of showing your child what they can achieve with dedication and regular practice. Speedo's research has also shown that swimming can make us feel more confident about the way we look.

Social benefits
Though swimming is generally an individual sport, swimming lessons will give your child an opportunity to develop their social skills. These include how to act appropriately around other people, how to respect other people's space and that everyone has a different body and learns at a different rate.

Fun and enjoyment
Many children take great pleasure from splashing around in water, whether it be in a bath, paddling pool, swimming pool or in the sea. Visit your local swimming pool and you will hear children squealing with delight as they explore a water-world of fun and enjoyment. Swimming can also be a great opportunity for you to spend quality time with your child, meaning you can both enjoy these benefits together.