articles

Macaroni Tips: Benefits of Swim Lessons

(Sponsored)

By Jaime Zilverberg, Owner SafeSplash Swim School Lakewood/Littleton/Centennial July 3, 2014
Summer is in full swing and if you love splashing around the pool with your children consider keeping them in the pool even as the weather turns colder. Swim lessons for children of any age are not only a good way to promote water safety, they are also a great way to increase self-esteem, and are a good form of exercise. New research also shows swim lessons may increase their dexterity as they get older. Researchers from Norway and Britain found that children who had taken baby swimming classes did better on tests involving gripping and reaching as well as balance, compared to children who had no experience swimming as babies.

Many of the infants and toddlers who attend a SafeSplash Swim School swim lessons program are taught from day one how to reach for safety, dig their arms and kick their legs. While the benefits of swimming are multiple, the earlier you start your child the more apt they will be to grasp concepts of safety as well as condition their body to do particular movements.

Many parents worry they should stop lessons if their child is crying or doesn’t want to participate.  There are three reasons a parent should stop lessons:

1. Safety is not reinforced in the lessons or you are worried about your child’s safety.

2. You are not allowed to watch the swim lesson.

3. The instructor is forcing too much on your child and not letting them progress at their own pace.

Now here is the #1 reason to be a strong willed parent and encourage continued participation, even if it’s hard to see those tears and hear those cries.

1. Swimming lessons can save lives! A 2009 U.S. study found an 88 percent reduction in drowning risk in kids ages 1 to 4 who had taken swimming lessons. Find a program that allows your child to enjoy the process.

Give it time.  First day jitters in a new situation can turn into second, third and fourth day jitters!  Even if a child is watching from the side they are taking in information that is important.

For more information on swim lessons and what is appropriate for various ages, levels and abilities check out www.safesplash.com or call 303-799-1885.