Why should you learn to swim? No matter what age you are, swimming is an essential life skill that should be learned by all.
Did you know that humans came from the water. The first beings on earth were aquatic. Life began in the sea. Humans around the world spend their lives living by the sea and other bodies of water, using them as food sources (fish and algae) or for transport or enjoyment and sport.
Humans are incredible swimmers. We can dive for fun, or to hunt fish. We can enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving to view local fish life. We go fishing for sport, whether it’s in the sea or in rivers or lakes. We water ski, sur, kayak, canoe, or simply swim for fun or sport.
The more serious background to why we need to learn to swim is that drowning is sadly the most common accidental cause of death in children in Ireland. So, being able to swim simply is an essential life-saving skill.
Learning to swim properly under instruction is also hugely important because we need to know how to keep ourselves save and afloat in the water safely and skilfully. A child that might appear to be water-confident and keep itself afloat is by no means a safe child in the water. Only when you have learned to swim with an instructor giving you advice, can you call yourself a confident, capable and safe swimmer.
Other reasons why your child needs to learn to swim?
Swimming is fun! Which better way to spend an hour on a rainy afternoon than in the water in your local pool with your children?
Swimming is a wonderful way of keeping fit and enjoying physical activity. Swimming keeps your child’s lungs and heart healthy, swimming improves strength and flexibility. Swimming improves fitness and stamina. Swimming even helps improve your child’s posture outside of the water.
Swimming also provides challenges and rewards for accomplishments. Thus, swimming increases your child’s confidence. Knowing that your child has mastered this essential life skill and can now safely keep up in the water with their mates is a great source of comfort for your child.
If your child feels insecure in the water, remind them that their competent instructors will address all their fears and worries ahead of the first lesson. For example, not wanting to put your head underwater is a common fear of the swimming beginner. Don’t worry if your child carries this fear. Your swim instructor is educated to help your child address this issue just like all other issues around learning to swim.
A final note … Living on an island means we all need to be aware of water safety, ideally learning to swim and recognize when someone in the water is in trouble and know how to call for help. Visit the water safety website to learn more.
