When is the right time for kids to learn how to swim?

02 Jan When is the right time for kids to learn how to swim?

Our children’s physio local to Werribee believes summertime is the biggest time of the year for swimming, whether it be at the beach, river or in the pool. We are jumping onto boats, SUP boarding, getting out the floaties and enjoying the beautiful weather. If we are spending this much time during the summer doing these activities, what is the importance of kids learning to swim and at what age should they start?

According to Royal Life Saving Australia, a lot of deaths in children aged one occur in swimming pools (59%) and during the summer months (44%). Almost all of these deaths were due to a lack of active adult supervision. 

Swimming is an activity that is enjoyable for all ages in life, but not only is it fun it comes with many health benefits: 

• Swimming is great for improving kids strength and flexibility, heart and lungs and may improve balance and posture
• It is the most accessible sport for kids with additional needs 
• It is a social sport where your child will be able to grow and meet new friends 
• Helps kids to become self confident

There is no perfect age to teach your child learning to swim, but the earlier the better. A lot of swim schools have lessons for kids starting at 6 months old. Having strong swimming skills means that as children get older their world is opened up to participating in water sports including: surfing, nippers, kayaking, SUP boarding, swimming lessons, and triathlons.  

Swimming and water therapies are often included in a treatment plan outside of Western Paediatric Physiotherapy in Hoppers Crossing for a patient. Being in the water may reduce pain and discomfort of physical therapy, children generally enjoy being in the water so therapy can be seen as a fun activity and water buoyancy reduces impact and stress on injured muscles.   

Learning to swim and how to float is a life skill and also a survival skill that every child can learn. Once its learnt its rarely forgotten and is a healthy activity open to people of all ages.    

If you have any concerns about your child’s movement or development, or are after some ideas about movement and exercise tailored to your child’s individual needs please call (03) 8001 2042 or request an appointment online with one of our friendly kid’s physiotherapists in Melbourne’s West.