FIVE REASONS TO INTRODUCE CHILDREN TO THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT FROM AN EARLY AGE!
5 reasons to introduce children to swimming at an early age
Written by : lisa boucher
at : 24/03/2023
1 For their safety.
The first reason to learn to be comfortable in the water is to be able to react positively in the event of an accidental fall. A child who knows how to move and understands the mechanisms of a floating body and a sinking body can really save himself from a dangerous situation. Or even better, avoid it! Your child needs to understand, as early as possible, the danger of jumping or falling into the water until he or she has mastered the basics of aquatic ease.
2 To avoid any trauma or phobia of water.
A deliberate and thoughtless fall or jump into the pool, without an armband or belt, or someone present at the landing, can trigger a major blockage in the child, or even a real phobia of the aquatic environment. And even if you reacted quickly and it only lasted a few seconds. Indeed, this bad experience has given him the impression that his body is like a pebble sinking to the bottom of the water, and that it's impossible to come up to breathe. Indeed, as long as your child doesn't know the basics of aquatic ease and swimming, he won't know how to get his face out of the water to catch his breath. What's more, he or she may have drunk a little of the water askew during immersion, making the moment even more unpleasant and frightening.
3 For fun and interaction with other children at the pool or beach.
Children are very responsive and enthusiastic when it comes to playing together. But not knowing how to swim can be a real frustration for children who can't keep up with others. A child who is at ease in the water is a real stimulant for a child who is less so. They very often tend to motivate each other, especially between siblings, cousins or close friends.
4 To stimulate and develop their physical and mental capacities.
Swimming, or familiarization with the aquatic environment for little ones, is an 'all-in-one' activity, which helps to develop essential things in your children's lives. These include the development of breathing capacity, coordination, motor skills, body awareness in space, balance and muscular endurance.
5 To enable them to practice other water sports.
For certain water sports (sailing, rowing, canoeing, kayaking or boating), it is compulsory to know how to swim, or at least to be able to move, immerse and fall in the water. As soon as your child has passed the 'know how to swim' or 'aquatic fluency' test, validated by a pool lifeguard or physical education teacher, he or she can be authorized to enroll. This means they can take full advantage of a wide range of water sports, without fear or stress.
