subject: The Importance of Learning to Swim at a Young Age [print this page] The Importance of Learning to Swim at a Young Age
Swimming is an activity in which humans have been participating from time immemorial. Often swimming is just being looked upon as a means of human survival from unexpected accidents like drowning. But this is only a situation where, being able to swim would save one's life. But we are seldom aware that swimming has other far reaching benefits as well. So what is the appropriate age to start learning swimming? Well, there is no specified age to do so, but it is widely agreed that the earlier it is, the better the results are especially because the younger child's mind absorbs information more quickly.
There are many reasons why it is advised that children ought to learn swimming when young. Primarily, because it will enable them to familiarize with the various water situations and the risks involving in it. With drowning being said to be one of the major killers of children under the age of 18, the necessity of knowing to swim is clear. If a child has had a bitter experience in water like nearly drowning or hurting himself or even watching a friend facing a similar situation, he will develop within him a fear for water and he would never want to be near a pool again and at many times missing all the fun that comes along when being in one. Hence it is imperative for the child to know about the dangers involved with water and also be prepared if such an unfortunate situation presents itself.
It is through lots of practice and perseverance that one learns to swim. Fighting against the odds and learning something new in every advancing stage would greatly motivate the child creating in him, self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
Learning to swim also helps to develop essential life skills in a child .He or she would have first stepped into the pool, totally unaware of what swimming would be like. However, they come with a determination that the goal, i.e. to learn swimming should be attained at any cost. Such situation familiarizes the child with goal setting, motivating them and to focus on the goal and finally achieve it. When the goal is accomplished, it generates a great impact on the child as he feels a sense of pride having attained it and opens way to accept other challenges later in life.
Also occasions of learning to swim also becomes a platform where children learn to socialize with other people and not necessarily always with children of the same age group. Thus, they will come to learn how to deal with different people, a skill sure to help them whole life through. Also once he or she learns to swim they get to enjoy the moments of hanging out at the pool with family and friends.
Apart from such psychological benefits, there are greater physiological benefits following swimming as well. Swimming is an effective form of exercise as it is a highly demanding physical activity. And it is very important that a child gets enough exercise during his growing stage and swimming is an excellent option to attain a well-balanced physique. Swimming is proved to be an apt method to build stamina and also ensures us that we develop strong muscles and bones, maintain flexibility, increases blood circulation and prevents being obese as it helps burn energy rapidly. As a result, our children tend to be health conscious at a young age and since continuing to engage in such physical activity would help them lead a healthy life.
However, it is extremely important that care should be taken while children are in the water. Whether or not the child knows to swim or not, adult supervision is essential to avoid any mishaps. If such precautions are administered children will be able to enjoy the joy and benefits of swimming.
Hence swimming lessons are of great importance and should be made an essential part of a child's physiological and psychological development.
