SWIMMING

                                                                           
                                                                           SWIMMING

               Swimming produces a wide array of health and social benefits for kids of all ages. It provides children with a fun aquatic activity that also promotes good health and social development skills. It's an aerobic form of exercise that also produces advantages for kids with disabilities. But as with any athletic activity, some risks do arise, especially with young children. Preventative measures help reduce these risks and allow swimming to be a safe, fun activity.

Health Benefits

•              Swimming provides a good source of exercise with minimal chances of bodily injuries common in other kids' sports. Swimming offers a good source of aerobic exercise without placing added stress or impact on growing bones and joints. According to KidsFitnessCentral.com, swimming promotes good health, increases endurance and develops stamina. The long-term benefits of swimming, according to New-Fitness.com, include improving the cardiovascular system by allowing the heart to work less strenuously through more efficient ways using the body's oxygen.

• Social Benefits

•              In addition to the health benefits, swimming also taps into the social development of kids. Children swimming competitively or participating in swim clubs learn the importance of perseverance, sportsmanship, self-discipline and goal-setting. They develop relationships with teammates and learn the importance of responsibility and teamwork. In addition, it allows kids to socialize with their peers.

• Children with Disabilities

  •             Many children with a variety of disabilities benefit from swimming. It's a non-contact sport that requires no equipment and helps children with disabilities exercise their muscles. Swimming in particular can be extremely beneficial for kids with cerebral palsy. According to CerebralPalsySource.com, swim therapy provides relief from muscle stiffness, enhances muscle relaxation and builds muscle strength. In addition, swimming also helps kids with disabilities develop coordination, as it requires movement from just about every muscle in the body.

   Safety

               According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is ranked as the second leading cause of unintentional deaths in kids ages 1 to 14. Parents and other adults caring for children must take precautionary measures. Never leave children unattended in a pool regardless of their swimming abilities, as drowning can happen quickly and adults may not hear a child's cries for help. If boating, fishing or rafting on lakes or rivers, make sure kids always wear a life jacket. Construct a four-sided isolation fence around home pools to prevent preschoolers and toddlers from entering an unsupervised pool area.