Winter is often associated with cozy sweaters, hot chocolate, and snuggling up indoors…although coming from Sydney the Mackay winters are our summer! While your child might not fancy jumping into a pool during the winter months, they might be missing out on some significant physical and mental benefits that regular swimming can provide. One of the most common and deadliest accidents for young children in Australia is drowning. As parents, we want the best for our children. We want them to be healthy, happy, and safe. But sometimes, preventable accidents happen, and it breaks our hearts. This is the PRIMARY REASON we encourage our families to continue much needed lessons over Winter. Lets look further into the benefits of winter swimming.
Safer for Summer
According to Royal Lifesaving Australia, 17 children aged 0-4 years drowned in Australia between July 2021 and June 2022. this is a 29% decrease on last year and a 23% decrease on the 10-year average. 15 drowning deaths occurred in children aged 5-14 years, a 7% increase on last yearand a 36% increase on the 10-year average, perhaps a reflection of children missing out on much needed swimming lessons.
So, what can we do as parents to keep our kids safe near water? Firstly, ensure your children are enrolled in swimming lessons. Not only does this teach them vital water safety skills, but it also boosts their fitness, coordination, and confidence. A
Improves Physical Fitness
Swimming is an excellent workout for the entire body, providing cardio, strength, and endurance benefits. The colder temperatures of winter can make it challenging to get in some physical activity, but swimming can be the perfect solution. Regular swimming sessions can keep your child’s muscles strong, their heart healthy and can help them develop a better lung capacity. Plus, the resistance of the water can provide more of a challenge than other forms of exercise, strengthening muscles faster.
Boosts Mental Well-being
Swimming is known to be an excellent stress-reliever and relaxant. It can help your child feel calmer and more relaxed, especially during challenging times, such as school exams or social pressures. Being submerged in water can also allow your child to disconnect from technology, allowing them to destress and just focus on the present moment. Swimming is also a great way for children to build self-confidence, as they develop new skills, gain independence and meet new people.
Better Focus & Concentration
Swimming is an activity that requires a great deal of focus and concentration. Instructors often teach new techniques and swim strokes, which can help stimulate your child’s brain activity. Furthermore, swimming can help your child stay alert and focused, which can positively affect their academic performance. For children with special needs, swimming has proven to be even more beneficial as it can promote better sleeping patterns, aiding concentration and attention span.
Swimming offers a range of physical and mental benefits, from improved fitness levels to enhanced focus and concentration. However, the biggest reason to keep your child enrolled is tyo ensure their safety!! Even during the colder months, it’s important for your child to keep swimming as part of their regular routine. As parents, we can provide our children with the lifsaving skills to reap the benefits of safer swimming, regardless of the season!
