A report in 2017 revealed that 1 in 3 children aged 7-11 years old are unable to swim a minimum of 25 metres unaided, meaning they are potentially unsafe in and around water through risk of drowning. In addition, researched carried out for the Swimming Teachers Association (STA) found 25% of parents admitted they don’t like the water themselves or can’t swim, over 75% of parents said they wished they were better swimmers and almost 75% of parents worry their children are not confident swimmers.
1 – It could save their life
The most important reason is that swimming is the only sport which can save your child’s life. Drowning is still one of the most common causes of accidental death in children, so being able to swim is an essential life-saving skill.
2 – Swimming is great exercise
Swimming is a fun form of physical activity to help keep your child healthy and happy. There are many health benefits including keeping your child’s heart and lungs healthy, improving strength and flexibility, increasing stamina. It can even help with balance and posture. Swimming involves moving multiple muscle groups in a cardio workout. All four swimming strokes involve working different muscle groups.
3 – It’s great for children with additional needs
For children with additional needs, swimming, more than almost any other sport, can be accessible, calming and fun. We have a hoist for our large pool, disability changing facilities and shower chairs to help with any additional needs.
4 – Swimming is fantastic for social and personal development
Swimming lessons also help children become more self-confident through challenges with rewards and accomplishments. Children develop in many ways through playing. They increase social and cognitive skills, increasing motor skills, coordination, spatial awareness, creativity, imagination and problem solving. Swimming lessons provide an opportunity for your child to meet different children to those they know from school and make new friends continuing to grow in confidence.
5 – You can swim for the rest of your life
If your child learns how to swim at a young age, it’s a skill that will stay with them forever. Swimming is low impact, so it’s an activity or hobby that can be continued into their later years.
6 – It opens the door for a range of activities
Learning to swim can open the door for a range of activities, including;
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Underwater hockey
- Competitive swimming
- Scuba diving
- Surfing
- Sailing
- Triathlon
Remember, you can’t always be there. Learning to swim may save their life one day.
We have a number of fantastic swimming lesson providers at OHLC including Starfish School of Swimming, Puddle Ducks, Swim 4 You and Swimtastic. You can read more about the lessons on offer at OHLC here ohlc.co.uk/swimminglessons
We also have a number of pool based clubs for your children to enjoy and continue their development after lessons, Aqubears Swim Club, Rochdale Underwater Hockey Club and Bury Canoe and Kayak Club. You can read more about all the clubs (water based or otherwise) at OHLC here ohlc.co.uk/clubs
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