Finding activities to fill the days and keep kids engaged and active during the summer can be tough. With all that free time, you want to make sure you’re using it wisely so your kids get the most out of the summer days. Summer should be a special time, marked by activities that are different from regular day care. Our team at Watch Me Shine has a suggestion: swimming lessons! May 20th is National Learn to Swim Day, so we think this is a great time to look at the benefits of swimming lessons for kids.
Here are some of the benefits kids receive from taking swimming lessons.
Safety Around the Water
Kids don’t always realize that something is dangerous, especially when it’s also fun. Learning to swim makes kids aware that they need to be careful when they’re near the water. Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death for young kids, but the risk is much lower for kids who know how to swim. If your child falls in the water while at the pool, or anywhere else, knowing how to swim will help them not to panic and get to safety.
More Ways to Stay Healthy
Swimming is great exercise that improves cardiovascular health and builds strength and endurance. Kids who are active when they’re young are more likely to maintain healthy habits as they get older. Swimming can be an option for kids who don’t gravitate toward team sports but still want to participate in athletics.
Gain Confidence and Social Skills
Getting the hang of something difficult like swimming boosts confidence and encourages kids to try new things. Trying something new can be scary for kids, but mastering a tricky skill like swimming empowers them to take on other challenges. Being in a class with other kids who are learning to do the same thing also helps them gain social skills, including communication, cooperation, and teamwork.
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There are many practical benefits of learning to swim, but the most important thing is that it’s fun! For working parents, there can be a lot of pressure to make the most of the time your kids spend outside of day care. Swimming lessons are a fun activity for kids, and they also learn skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives.
