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Life lessons through early swimmingSwimming will enhance lifeskills in multiple ways, writes Alvina Clara
Alvina Clara
Last Updated IST
<div class="paragraphs"><p>Representative image showing swimming pool.</p></div>

Representative image showing swimming pool.

Credit: iStock Photo

Swimming lessons aren’t limited to the pool. Once children learn to swim, they gain newfound confidence, which they can use in other areas of their lives once they step out of the water. Through this sport, children learn to overcome challenges in a phased manner and master the art of swimming through life’s obstacles with the same skill and determination they use in the water.  

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Swimming is a sport like no other. Throughout the years of training sessions and daily practices, one can gain deep self-awareness and acquire invaluable life lessons inherent to the sport. If you’re a parent considering enrolling your child in swimming classes or a student eager to learn this life-saving skill, dive in and transform your life! Swimming will enhance your life in ways you never imagined.

Build confidence

The art of swimming entails the stamina and confidence to swim certain distances and depths and learn to keep calm in the water. As children train rigorously under experienced coaches for months to years, it is just a matter of time before they begin to feel confident in the water. As they become more comfortable in the water, this confidence will extend to other parts of their lives, encouraging them to take on new opportunities they once hesitated to pursue.

Overcome fear

Water and depth can be intimidating, but swimming helps children conquer these fears. Guided by skilled instructors, they develop a ‘can-do’ attitude and an ‘everything is possible’ mindset. This boosts children’s confidence to overcome their deepest fears and emerge stronger than before.

Discipline and perseverance

Swimming is a demanding sport that requires proper movements and breathing control. It also requires discipline and rigorous daily practice. Consistent practice, even on cold, dark mornings or evenings, teaches valuable lessons of resilience and perseverance. These critical lessons learned in the pool can also be extended to all aspects of life.  

Determination and grit

Swimming practice involves repetitive movements with little to no rest. Children develop the valuable skill of training for hours, understanding obstacles, and still putting in their best effort from their course in the pool. Despite difficulties, this persistence in the pool makes one a good swimmer and helps tackle life’s challenges with the same tenacity and grit.

Hard work

In swimming, there are no shortcuts to being a proficient swimmer. This goal-oriented sport requires strength, stamina and willingness to work hard—each day. Early morning and late evening swim practices require new learners to sacrifice sleep, social events, and instant gratification to achieve their goals, instilling a strong work ethic.

Peace and serenity

Swimming provides a serene escape from the chaos of daily life, promoting both physical and mental well-being. It allows trainees to find peace and serenity in the water, which is much required in one’s hectic schooling or work life. It is an outlet to vent stress, enhancing overall health and creating positive childhood memories.

Time management 

One of the most important skills children learn from swimming is time management. Balancing school, extracurricular activities, exam preparation, and daily practice requires careful planning. Swimmers learn to manage their schedules effectively, ensuring they don’t miss important events.

Endurance and focus

Early swimming lessons can encourage children to be more active and focused as they grow and throughout their lifetime. Swimming improves stamina, muscle strength, coordination, and balance as a low-impact cardio exercise. It also helps young minds develop endurance and focus, which are crucial for academic and personal success.

Lifesaving skills 

Students often go for picnics near waterfalls, lakes, and the seashore, where water-related accidents can occur. Tragically, several incidents of drowning have led to the loss of young lives. However, if your child ever finds themselves in a dangerous situation in the water, the lifesaving skills they learn through swimming can help them navigate safely and maybe help others.

So, make your children learn to swim at an early age. Whether in school or college, they will appreciate the life skills gained in the pool. These valuable skills and experiences will benefit them in every aspect of life, helping them navigate life’s challenges with confidence, discipline, and resilience.

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(Published 23 July 2024, 04:11 IST)