We all know learning to swim is a skill for life and creates exciting opportunities to participate in a wide range of aquatic activities in, on or under the water. But did you know swimming lessons have many other long-term benefits for your child? Sue Mayo, Aquatic Manager at TLC Learn to Swim – a provider of swimming lessons in North Lakes Brisbane – tells us more.
1. Swimming makes your child smarter
Swimming lessons are perfect for giving your child some fundamental skills before starting school. They increase confidence, fitness, and coordination and improve numeracy and literacy skills.
Research conducted by Griffith University confirms that early introduction to swimming lessons prepares children for school in terms of social, emotional, cognitive, and physical abilities.
Lead researcher Professor Robyn Jorgensen said, “The children were anywhere from six to 15 months ahead of the normal population when it came to cognitive skills, problem-solving in mathematics, counting, language and following instructions.”
2. Social skills, confidence and resilience
The key component for participating in any activity is ‘play’. When learning to swim, your child will develop social skills through various activities specifically designed for their age and stage of development. Taking turns and interacting with other children and adults through play is the best way for a child to learn how to socialise with others. A good swimming program incorporates social skills such as waiting, listening to instructions, taking turns, and recognising shapes and colours, all of which help to build confidence in a classroom learning environment.
The structured nature of lessons gives children the assurance of knowing what to expect and what is expected of them, which in turn helps them feel more secure. Learning to swim involves hours of practice and comes with challenges mixed in with small and big achievements. Developing the ability to effectively handle their emotions, persist, and never give up fosters confidence and resilience.
3. Language skills
It’s surprising to think that language skills can be developed through swimming lessons. Counting, responding to questions, and expressing emotions verbally can enhance sentence-building, numeracy, and literacy skills. Teachers communicate through language, demonstration, facial expressions, singing, and visual aids. Understanding, interpreting, and responding to actions are incorporated into every teacher-swimmer exchange during swimming lessons.
4. Physical health and coordination
Freestyle is one of the most complex strokes to master. The by-product of the long journey of mastery is the coordination of all three midlines, which is vital for lateral thinking and confidence.
Swimming builds fitness, promoting strong muscles, good posture, and overall health. It enhances heart and lung health, boosts the immune system, and leads to better sleep, increased energy, and improved motivation. The pressure of the water increases a range of health benefits, strengthening muscles, lungs, brain function and gross motor movement in a low-impact environment.
5. Independence
Independence is the best skill of all! There is nothing more rewarding than embracing children who love to achieve. Celebrate every small success with your child. As a result, the confidence gained through new swimming experiences resonates away from the pool, at home, at school and even in the playground.
Remember children are never safe in the water but SAFER. The ‘R’ reminds us there is always a risk in an aquatic environment. Always supervise your child. There is nothing quite like enjoying uninterrupted quality time playing in the water with your child.
By Sue Mayo BPsychSc., Aquatic Manager at TLC Learn to Swim.
TLC Learn to Swim offers Swimming lessons in North Lakes Brisbane to children of all ages. You do not need to go to the College to attend the swimming lessons.
Don’t miss the Grand Opening of TLC Learn to Swim
Join TLC Learn to Swim for the Grand Opening of the TLC Learn to Swim Facility at North Lakes on Saturday 12 October from 9am-11am! TLC Learn to Swim features a brand-new heated indoor pool designed to create the perfect environment for swimmers of all ages. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first splash or a swimmer looking to refine your technique, their expert instructors are available to guide and inspire you on your swimming journey. Register your attendance at tlcswimming.com.au
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