As the weather warms up, we are all thinking about getting back into the pool and ocean. For our littlest ones, this summer could be their first experience of water-based fun. Therefore, over the coming months, it is more important than ever to think about water safety.
As much as we think we can teach our babies to swim ourselves, Luke Stafford, Head Coach and Manager at Grammar Swim School explains there are many reasons why baby swim lessons should be an integral part of your baby’s water safety toolkit.
1. Baby swim lessons save lives
A young child who learns to swim develops crucial lifelong water awareness and swimming abilities. Starting these lessons from an earlier age will vastly improve their general level of confidence in the water and reinforce these skills. As they develop confidence in their swimming ability, they will feel more comfortable splashing around and learn to enjoy themselves in the water.
It is important to remember that, no matter how well a child can swim, adult supervision is required at all times when a child is in the water.
2. Swimming makes you strong
Swimming is a low-impact form of exercise that works the entire body, making it the perfect way for babies to develop and strengthen their little muscles. In particular, it improves coordination, balance and flexibility. It’s also a sure-fire way to tire baby out, so plan nap time straight after!
3. Swimming is great for emotional and social development
Not only is swimming great for the body, it’s also great for the mind. It can improve mood and self-esteem. Learning to swim from an early age with baby swim lessons will also reduce a child’s fear of water, making pools and beaches less stressful environments. Swimming can also be a great social activity, it’s a wonderful time for you to both have fun together and meet with other mums and bubs.
4. A skill for life
Once the skill is learned, your child will always know how to swim, regardless of their fitness level. This is especially useful when taking part in other recreational water activities as they grow up, such as kayaking, surfing, diving, or even sailing.
5. Baby swim lessons are fun!
It’s a fantastic and versatile activity that can be done all year round, indoors and outdoors, alone or in a team, at a beach or in a pool, as a competitive sport or as a recreational activity with friends and family.
About the Author
Luke Stafford is the manager and head coach of Sunshine Coast Grammar Swim School. He has extensive experience as a coach and manager on numerous Brisbane and Queensland swim teams. An elite swimmer himself, Luke’s has made finals at national and World Cup events, and won numerous state titles in Queensland and South Australia. He is a Silver Licensed Swimming Coach and has a Graduate Certificate in Career Counselling for Elite Athletes from Victoria University.
About Grammar Swim School
Grammar Swim School provides swimming lessons for all ages at its state-of-the-art swimming centre at Forest Glen on the Sunshine Coast. Lessons focus on developing water safety skills and awareness in a fun and stimulating environment. With small group sizes and expert swim instructors, you can commence your swimming lessons at any time during the year as long as there is a place available in your class level. Classes range from three months old to primary age children, through to squad and adult stroke correction classes.
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