As summer comes to an end and fall approaches, many families are under the impression that the swimming season is over as well. This, however, is not the case! Miller Swim School believes that swimming should not be seasonal, but instead, a year-round activity that proves to have several advantages.
Children who swim year-round (and from infancy) are significantly stronger and more coordinated than those who do not according to several studies. The use of the entire body mixed with the water resistance improves strength and flexibility while minimizing injuries that are more likely to occur in other sports.
A scientific study found that children who swim year-round scored higher in problem solving skills.
Also, children who swim year-round are less likely to become ill than children with a less active lifestyle. Swimming keeps the immune system in shape and exercise invigorates the entire body. A healthy lifestyle leads to a healthy child!
Consistent swimming (and especially learning to swim) helps children succeed throughout their life. Swimming encourages setting and attaining goals, overcoming fears to assert independence and finding new and fun ways to stay active. Something as simple as being able to play independently in a pool with friends is a huge accomplishment for young kids and the confidence that it builds is seen in school, social situations and in other recreational activities. We see a drastic change in the confidence and self-esteem of the children we teach throughout the school year. Children who were once very timid and unable or afraid to swim with their peers are now independent, confident swimmers at birthday parties, lake trips, and at camp. This new found confidence is then transferred across to school and other extra curricular activities which we find increases performance and drive.
Swimming skills, just like skills needed for any other activities, can be lost over time. If a child goes the entire school year without swimming, they lose many of the skills they may have had the summer prior which can actually be quite discouraging. Unlike riding a bike or playing soccer, if a child forgets how to swim, the consequences can be much more devastating.
There are many articles and studies listing all of the benefits of year-round swimming, which serves to suggest that children benefit from year-round swimming for a multitude of reasons.
