Swimming is a valuable skill that can be enjoyed and used throughout a lifetime. Often we hear parents say, “My child can swim; they don’t need lessons anymore.”. However, we believe that swimming lessons’ benefits go further than simply learning to swim. While it’s great that your child can swim a full length of the pool, continuing with their classes is the best way to ensure they truly master the skill and get all the benefits that come with it. Here at Dolphin Academy, we believe in the importance of continuing swimming lessons, even after a child can swim a full length.
1. Teaches valuable life skills
Swimming teaches more than just a physical skill; it also provides children with essential life skills. Being able to swim helps build a child’s confidence in the water and outside of it, as well as teaching them discipline, how to work as a team, and how to take instructions. It also helps build character and perseverance and teaches the value of hard work. Practising sports like swimming alongside other kids and teachers can help kids develop vital communication and social skills.
2. Safety
Swimming lessons also provide an essential safety component. Life experiences often bring people of all ages close to water dangers, and knowing how to swim is a skill that lasts a lifetime and can save a life. According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide. In the UK, the Royal Life Saving Society reports that it is the third leading cause of accidental death for children under five.
Unfortunately, the risk of drowning never completely goes away – even for people who can swim. There is still a risk even when children are older and more experienced. Once they know the basics, more training means developing more stamina in the water, which can one day save their life if they get into a particularly challenging situation.
Swimming lessons can give your child the skills to stay safe in the water, such as learning how to float, tread water, and do the backstroke. Furthermore, we at Dolphin Academy run special safety-focused weeks like Drowning Prevention Week, where we further our swimmers’ knowledge on what to do in case of trouble and how best to handle a dangerous situation.
3. Fitness
Swimming regularly also provides excellent physical fitness benefits. Establishing good fitness habits early in life is essential for a child’s health, and swimming lessons can help with that. As an exercise choice, swimming provides an excellent full-body workout. It is low impact, so it is easy on joints and can be fun and relaxing. Swimming regularly can help to strengthen a child’s cardiovascular fitness and improve their coordination and flexibility. It is also an effective way to burn calories, as it can burn up to 500 calories an hour. It can also help to improve their mental well-being, with studies showing that it can reduce stress and depression.
4. They provide structure
Going regularly to swimming lessons also provides children with structure and routine. Knowing what to expect every day and having something to look forward to in your week is an important foundation for children’s happiness. Swimming lessons can provide this with a regular schedule that is fun and engaging. Not only will it give your child something to look forward to, but it will also help them to develop good habits and learn how to manage their time. This routine and structure can help to give children a sense of control and stability that is essential for their development from a very young age.
5. Enjoyment
Swimming lessons can also be an excellent way for kids to stay active and simply have fun. Learning to love the water is an integral part of the process, and swimming lessons can help to foster that love. Not only does swimming offer a unique and enjoyable way to exercise, but it can also help to build confidence and self-esteem. Interacting with other kids in the pool can help them develop critical social skills and friendships. Swimming lessons allow kids to make new friends and explore the water in a safe and encouraging environment. With the right attitude and guidance, swimming lessons can be an excellent way for kids to stay active, have fun, and build essential skills.
Conclusion
At Dolphin Academy, we believe in the importance of continuing swimming lessons, even after a child can swim a full length of the pool. Our goal is to help children from Oldham, Rochdale, and Greater Manchester develop the skills and passions to help them throughout their lives. We want to give them the confidence and skills they need to stay safe in the water. We also wish all our students to enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits of swimming. We are committed to providing a fun and safe environment for your child to learn and grow for the entire time they are with us.