Everyone knows that physical activity is essential to keep your health up to date. And of course, this also extends to our children. So, whenever it comes to encouraging the little ones to practice some kind of sport or physical activity, children’s swimming is a sure bet with Lifeguard class.
Primarily, the practice of physical activity should be encouraged from childhood. According to several experts, sedentary children are at a greater risk of becoming sedentary teenagers/adults. Active children, on the other hand, tend to remain so throughout their lives. That said, keeping them on the move is of paramount importance to transforming them into healthy young people and adults. And it goes without saying that children love children’s swimming lessons , right? But, “between us”, who wouldn’t love?
How does infant swimming help in child development?
Overall, swimming is one of the best activities for your child to do, providing many health and child development benefits. In addition to improving cardiorespiratory capacity, agility, strength and speed, it also helps to develop coordination, balance and psychomotor skills.
Among the psychomotor skills that children’s swimming provides are: laterality, spatial, temporal and rhythm notions, tactile, visual and auditory perceptions. Working inclusively, socialization and building self-confidence. Therefore, the practice of sport, in addition to providing a more active and healthy life, contributes to a good child development.
The recommendation of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics is that children’s swimming lessons can start from 6 months of age. That is, the practice of sports can be encouraged even in early childhood. In the course of this article, we will present 10 main benefits that swimming can provide your child. As well as, present some safety tips to keep the little ones always safe in and out of the water.
10 benefits that children’s swimming provides
Basically, children’s swimming is one of the most complete and rich activities aimed at children. Since, it works from physical and motor skills to cognitive and social skills. Next, check out 10 main benefits that swimming can provide your child that will make you want to enroll him now!
1.Stronger immune system
One of the benefits of infant swimming is the strengthening of the immune system. In summary, the practice of physical activities from an early age, potentiate the body’s defense mechanisms. Since the immune system becomes increasingly resistant to viruses and bacteria. Which in turn, reduces the incidence of diseases and especially those related to the respiratory system with Lifeguard class.
2.Improvement in the respiratory system
Typically, most pediatricians recommend swimming as a physical activity option for children with respiratory problems. This occurs because during the practice of the activity, the cardiorespiratory system is worked a lot. Since, as it is practiced underwater, it is necessary to use the diaphragm, thus stimulating correct breathing. Therefore, it helps in the treatment of various respiratory complications, such as asthma, bronchitis and rhinitis for example.
3.Stimulates muscle tone
If there is a sport capable of working all the muscles of the body, it is without a doubt swimming. Although, muscle tone is not the main objective of children’s swimming lessons, over time, the muscles end up getting firmer and toned. Mainly arms and back. That said, it can be said that swimming helps in muscle development, stimulates resistance gain, tones the muscles and improves the practitioner’s posture. Therefore, a great activity for children and teenagers in growth and development with Lifeguard class.
4.Develops motor coordination and intellect
Currently, there are numerous types and variations of existing swims. Each one with its characteristic and distinct movements. In this way, the way in which the body must be controlled to perform certain movements must be coordinated, even respecting specific techniques and characteristics for each swim. Which in turn develops coordination, discipline, focus and respect.
In addition, the simple fact of moving arms, legs and reconciling them with proper breathing, already demands discipline, focus, concentration and a certain coordination. Oh, and don’t worry if your child has any motor restrictions. In short, swimming will help you hone your skills. Therefore, everyone is very welcome to the classes.
5.Decreases stress
There is no doubt that what children really like is to play and have fun. It doesn’t matter where, when or how. They always find a way to have fun, and of course, to mess up a lot. With children’s swimming it is no different. Overall, the classes provide moments of great fun, relief from everyday stress and social interaction. Obviously, it’s not all just fun and they’ll have learning moments, where they’ll learn notions of space, time, rhythm and much more. Is there anything better than learning while having fun?
6.Fight obesity
In recent decades, technologies have developed at an alarming rate. Not so long ago, there were barely color televisions and today, our children not only have access to the latest generation color televisions, but they can also enjoy a range of technologies to watch movies, listen to music or play video games.
With this, children’s sedentary lifestyle has become something common in recent times. Likewise, other related problems have arisen, such as childhood obesity. As it is a very intense physical activity, children’s swimming is a great modality to assist and help with weight control with Lifeguard class.
In addition, the regular practice of physical activity, makes you burn more energy and consequently, increases the need to eat. Fighting obesity head on and transforming sedentary adults, youth and children into strong and healthy people.
7.Promotes respect
Therefore, the student should pay close attention to the movements given by the teacher and/or professional. Thus promoting respect for others with Lifeguard class. In addition, of course, to be patient and wait your turn to practice the activity without “running over” your little friend’s turn.
8.Promotes socialization and self-confidence
Overall, as human beings, we are always looking to socialize. This is something that is intricately in our genes, in our DNA. So it is with children. If you have children, you’ve probably already witnessed moments when they “gained” a new friend, whether in line at the supermarket, waiting for an appointment or walking in the park. Now imagine in a children’s swimming class?
In the case of socialization, it is clear that because swimming is – obviously – in pools, it is much more common to practice it in groups. At first, it may seem trivial, but this early socialization will help you in your development as an adult. And consequently it will play an important role in building your self-confidence. Transforming them in this way, into confident young people/adults to face any new challenge.
9.Improves blood circulation
In addition to developing the respiratory system and promoting muscle tone, during swimming, the heart muscles are also enhanced. Several studies demonstrate a significant improvement in circulation, nutrient distribution and blood oxygenation. Therefore, swimming is not only suitable for children with respiratory problems, but also for children and people with circulatory problems. Which consequently contributes to the prevention of heart problems in the future with Lifeguard class.
10.Improves sleep quality
Last but not least, another interesting benefit of infant swimming is the improvement of sleep quality. Well, I don’t think I need to stress how important it is to have a good night’s sleep. That said, if your child has trouble getting to sleep, swimming may be the perfect solution you’ve been looking for.
Because it is an intense activity, swimming has a high energy burn. Soon after classes, your child will feel relaxed and ready to rest through the night. It is important to note that children require a little more than the recommended 8 hours of sleep per day to fully recover. Thus, having a good night’s sleep is essential for your good development.
How to keep little ones safe in and out of the water?
Certainly, children and pool is the perfect combination for moments of pure fun on hot days. However, it is important to be careful, as in the blink of an eye they can do something unpredictable.
Some children feel so confident during their first few swim lessons that they can jump into the pool even without supervision and this can be a fatal mistake. Therefore, always talk to the little one at home, preparing him for swimming lessons, explaining the risks and warning him about inappropriate games in the water.
If you have a pool at home, the main tip is to surround it and allow access only with adult supervision. Other precautions, such as: performing pool maintenance without the little one being present, having adequate equipment (buoys and vests) available and always being on alert can be crucial to save children from these types of accidents. So little ones will be safe both in and out of the water!
