At what age can you start swimming?

Much is known about the benefits of swimming with lifeguard training, a complete sport and very demanding for almost all muscle groups in the body. In addition, its practice is usually recommended for all age groups. In this sense, is there a minimum age to start swimming?
Advantages of swimming
The greatest advantages of swimming have to do with the physical benefits it promotes. However, it cannot be ignored that it is a very useful tool for the safety of all people, in addition to promoting social interaction.
For this reason, many parents wonder when they can initiate their children in the practice of this discipline form lifeguard training. Although it is premature, it can be done even when they are babies, logically accompanied by the presence of their mother or father. Does it seem too soon? Learn about the benefits of starting swimming as soon as possible!
Why start swimming from childhood?
There are several public bodies that recommend initiating children into swimming as soon as possible. For example, the Irish Department of Public Health does so in this document.
Also, various academic publications that refer to swimming as a method of development of babies. By introducing them to a new environment, their movements allow them to develop new capacities, thanks to the neural connections that they establish.
In addition, this also brings mental benefits for the little ones. First of all, because they will lose their fear and adapt to the water much more easily than older people. The close presence of their mother or father also helps to strengthen the emotional bond with them.
In addition, this activity is said to lead to noticeable cognitive development for babies, but more studies are still needed on this. What is certain is that most of them really enjoy this fun time!
There are several public bodies that recommend initiating children into swimming as soon as possible. For example, the Irish Department of Public Health does so in this document.
Also, various academic publications that refer to swimming as a method of development of babies. By introducing them to a new environment, their movements allow them to develop new capacities, thanks to the neural connections that they establish.
In addition, this also brings mental benefits for the little ones. First of all, because they will lose their fear and adapt to the water much more easily than older people. The close presence of their mother or father also helps to strengthen the emotional bond with them.
In addition, this activity is said to lead to noticeable cognitive development for babies, but more studies are still needed on this. What is certain is that most of them really enjoy this fun time!
Learning to swim in childhood
Beyond the convenience of swimming lessons for parents and babies, professionals at Harvard University School of Medicine indicate that a child can learn to swim from the age of four.
Although it is very good to familiarize yourself with this medium beforehand, it is necessary that the little ones know how to understand and follow instructions and mentally retain what they have learned. This, they point out, has not been achieved until then.
Its tell us about our last contact with water. And it train to deal with the emergency situation. In such cases, a baby could learn to float on his back in the water to avoid drowning.
Finally, the importance of creating a safe and positive environment to start swimming is also highlighted. This requires having a trained instructor the child trusts and safe, sanitized, and well-maintained facilities to develop the lessons.
Security Recommendations
Of course, the fact that children start swimming at an early age entails some special care on the part of instructors and parents.
Thus, the following keys become essential :
- Babies should not enter the pool before they are six months old, as their immune systems must have time to develop.
20 - Never leave children alone in or near the pool, not even for a few seconds with lifeguard training. Drowning can occur in seconds and in complete silence.
- Don’t assume that a child who can swim is totally safe in the water. Always keep an eye on him when he enters the pool.
- Lifeguards are not babysitters. Therefore, parents must take responsibility for the actions of their children in public spaces with lifeguard training, especially if they are in the water.
- Water is a fundamental aspect for babies and young children. If it shows signs of cold. The wisest thing to do is remove it from the water and wrap it in a towel.
- Before starting to swim can be extremely useful for babies and mothers in the puerperium. In this way, you can learn in detail the recommendations for moms and children. So that they can enjoy this fantastic activity without risks or inconveniences.
Must Read: Back Pain: Not Just A Pain In The Neck!