Learning To Swim Is Important. Here Are Some Simple Tips To Help By Age

Learning to swim is really important for several reasons, including:

Water Safety: Knowing how to swim can prevent drowning and other water-related accidents. Swimming skills can help children feel more comfortable and confident in the water, allowing them to respond appropriately if they find themselves in a dangerous situation.

Physical Health: Swimming is a great form of exercise that provides a full-body workout. It can improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength and tone, and improve flexibility and coordination.

Mental Health: Swimming can also have positive effects on mental health, such as reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and promoting relaxation.

Socialisation: Swimming is often a social activity that can provide opportunities to meet new people and develop social skills.

Enjoyment: Swimming can be a fun and enjoyable activity that can be done throughout your child’s life. It can be a great way to relax, cool off on a hot day, or spend time with friends and family.

Learning to swim is an important life skill that can provide numerous physical and mental health benefits for your children as well as increase safety in and around water for their entire life.

Here are some general swimming tips by age:

For infants and toddlers (up to 2 years old):

• Always supervise infants and toddlers in the water, even if they are just playing in a small amount of water.
• Introduce them to the water gradually and in a positive way, such as playing with water toys or singing songs in the shallow end.
• Use flotation devices such as swim vests or arm floats to help them feel more comfortable and safe in the water.
• Keep swimming sessions short and sweet, as young children can quickly tire in the water.

For preschoolers (2-5 years old):

• Continue to supervise them in the water and use flotation devices as needed.
• Encourage them to start blowing bubbles and putting their faces in the water.
• Start teaching them basic water safety rules, such as not running on the pool deck and always asking for permission before entering the water.
• Introduce them to simple strokes like dog paddle or front crawl.

For school-age children (6-12 years old):

• Continue to emphasise water safety rules and make sure they understand the importance of always swimming with a buddy.
• Help them learn proper stroke technique for freestyle, breaststroke, and backstroke.
• Encourage them to challenge themselves with swimming laps or practicing different strokes.
• Consider enrolling them in swimming lessons or a swim team to improve their skills.

For teenagers and adults:

• Focus on building endurance and refining their stroke technique.
• Consider taking a swimming class or working with a swimming coach to improve their skills.
• Practice different strokes and work on increasing their speed and efficiency in the water.
• Always swim with a buddy and be aware of  their limitations in the water.

For professional swimming advice go to Swimming.org