Are you on the lookout for a fun and rewarding activity to keep your kids active and healthy? 

Swimming is a popular activity for children and parents alike! But it is so much more than just a fun afternoon. 

Let’s dive into the six benefits of swimming for kids and learn why it can really make a splash in their lives!

 

Builds Strength

Swimming engages nearly your entire body, giving your child the opportunity to develop and build full-body strength. In fact, swimming is a form of resistance training as you’re working to move through and against the water. With this in mind, every stroke and kick contributes to building strength. 

Plus, unlike some other sports, swimming is low-impact, meaning it puts less stress on your joints and is suitable for children of all ages and abilities. Regular swimming sessions can help improve your child’s endurance and strength, setting a strong foundation for a healthy lifestyle.

 

Improves Coordination and Balance

Again, swimming engages the entire body. When they swim, children have to work on moving different parts of their bodies in different ways at the same time. As children progress in swimming, they learn to coordinate these movements, improving their overall coordination and awareness of body position and movement. 

Swimming also helps children develop better balance. Children need to learn how to adjust their body position and movements to stay afloat and move through the water. They also have to learn to engage and control their core muscles, which are key to maintaining balance on dry land.

Increases Appetite and Sleep

Swimmings uses up a lot of energy! More often than not, your child will burn a lot of calories while swimming. This can make even the pickiest of eaters have an increased appetite which can be beneficial if you’re struggling to get them to eat more or try new foods.

With the use of more energy, your child will also need more rest and sleep afterward. Swimming can help you get your child to sleep faster and for longer periods of time. Over time, it can even help create more regulated and healthier sleep patterns for your little one.

Improves Mental Health

Swimming is not just beneficial for the body but also for the mind. The rhythmic nature of swimming and the sensation of being in water can have a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety in children. 

Plus, swimming, like most other forms of physical activity, can release endorphins, often referred to as "feel-good" hormones, which can elevate mood and promote a sense of well-being. Swimming also creates a boost in blood flow throughout the body, including the brain, which can improve mental clarity, memory, and stress levels.

Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem

Mastering new swimming skills and overcoming challenges in the water can significantly boost a child's self-esteem and confidence. As children progress from learning to float to mastering advanced strokes, they gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in their abilities. 

Swimming provides opportunities for children to set goals, track their progress, and celebrate their achievements, nurturing a positive self-image that extends beyond the pool.

Promotes Water Safety

One of the most impactful benefits of swimming for kids is the awareness of water safety.

Through swim lessons and practice, children gain valuable knowledge about water safety rules, including how to enter and exit the water safely, recognizing and avoiding hazards, and understanding the importance of adult supervision. They also learn essential survival skills, such as floating on their backs and treading water, which can be invaluable in emergency situations.

Additionally, just as swimming can boost a child’s personal confidence, it can also give them more confidence in water. This confidence can help them stay in control and safe when they’re in the pool.

 

The benefits of swimming for kids go far beyond a fun afternoon! From physical strength to confidence in the water, swimming can play a major role in your child’s development. 

So, the next time you're looking for a fun and rewarding activity for your child, consider taking them to the Lafayette Family YMCA pool—it might just make a splash in their overall growth and happiness.

 

 

The Lafayette Family YMCA is a community dedicated to healthy living and social responsibility. For more fitness tips and to stay up to date about YMCA events, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, or visit our website here.