Why is swimming important?
According to Contemporary Pediatrics (July, 1999), in eighteen states, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children one to four years of age. Two year old boys account for the greatest number of fatalities because of rapidly developing motor skills and extreme curiosity about water. Children are naturally drawn to pools, hot tubs, lakes, canals, streams, reservoirs and beaches. Despite a parent's best efforts at supervision, it only takes one head turn before an accident has occurred.
Infants and toddlers learn to swim quickly because of their motor development and usually have no fear of the water. Older children often develop fears as a result of an emerging imagination and a recognition of the water's depth.
Here are some other reasons why you might consider getting an early start on survival and swimming skills for your child with Little Honu Swim School.
If you want your child to learn to swim and float in weeks, not years;
If you or your extended family live or vacation around backyard pools or natural bodies of water;
If you enjoy swimming and want your child to enjoy it as well;
If you never learned to swim and want something better for your child;
If you are ready to make a commitment to your child's aquatic safety, his/her health and well-being;
The lessons offered by Little Honu Swim School will increase your child's self esteem and empower them with an incredible sense of accomplishment.
The Benefits of Swimming:
(Special thank you to the Long Island Aquatic Club.)
Swimming promotes Physical Development.
Swimming develops aerobic endurance and is the most beneficial form of cardiovascular exercise.
Swimming enhances children's natural flexibility and promotes proportional muscular development.
Swimming develops superior coordination.
Swimming is the most injury free of all children's sports.
Swimming is a sport that will bring children fitness and enjoyment for life.
Child Benefits
Researchers have documented that the stimulating effect of child-paced infant/toddler swimming lessons has the potential to increase intelligence, concentration, alertness, and perceptual abilities. Improvement in social, emotional and physical development has also been published. Of course, the manifestation of such inspired cognitive, personal and motor development takes time, patience and repetition.
Other veteran instructors have confirmed this phenomena, especially in children who started lessons prior to 12 months old, but it's never too late to receive these unique and subtle benefits of infant-toddler swimming. These babies eventually become extremely peaceful and relaxed in the water.
Special Needs / Therapy Benefits
Water is a forgiving healer, its caressing and stimulating effect on children with special needs is most remarkable. Its buoyancy is like an invisible helping hand. Zero gravity allows for freedoms that do not exist on the dry land. Optimal learning conditions, combined with kindness and patience can even release a withdrawn or hurting child from their shell. In what other medium are you able to bond face to face, skin to skin and share the joy of learning together?
Swimming Promotes Intellectual Competence
Learning and using swimming skills engages the thinking process....
As children learn new techniques, they must develop and plan movement sequences.
Swimmers improve by exploring new ideas. They learn that greater progress results from using their creative talents.
Swimmers Learn Life Skills.
Swimming teaches student-athletes important life skills such as:
Time Management
Self-discipline
Sportsmanship
Parent / Child Bonding Benefits
Swimming is a special time for you and your child. Early swim lessons set a positive foundation towards a lifetime of participation and enjoyment in a variety of water sports and aquatic venues on, in and under the water.
This is often a child's first social experience out of the home that involves their peers. They learn to relate and interact with each other and look forward to seeing their class mates. Caring and patient moms and dads of young children have an ideal opportunity to meet like minded people who share common interests.
Socialization
Perhaps one of the best reasons for getting your children involved in competitive swimming is the friendships they form with others. Camaraderie among swimmers is unique...."Swimming Buddies" often become lifelong friends.
