Adults and kids of all ages can enjoy all that the sport of swimming has to offer. Kids who swim can get more physical activity while participating in a social, safe, and fun sport. At the same time, many of the mental skills that kids learn through swimming are useful and apply to other areas of their lives.
Here are a few reasons why swimming is a great activity for kids:
1. Participation in a No Contact Sport
If you’re looking for a safe sport for your kids, swimming is an excellent option. The nature of the sport makes it a no-contact activity, making it a safe, healthy, and fun sport for your kids.
2. Increase in Physical Fitness and Health
Swimming provides kids with an awesome physical outlet. It’s a sport that gets up and off the couch, away from screens, and offers much-needed regular physical activity. Through swimming, kids will increase physical fitness skills, including endurance, strength, speed, and coordination.
3. Development of Social Skills
Even though swimming is an individual sport, it’s an excellent way for kids to meet new people and form new friendships. By joining a team, kids learn valuable social skills, like good sportsmanship, encouragement, and support.
4. Development of Mental Skills
While swimming offers quite a few physical benefits, it also leads to the development of mental skills. These skills include things like self-discipline, self-confidence, and goal-setting.
5. A Yearlong (and Lifelong) Activity
Unlike a lot of sports, kids can swim all year long. Many clubs offer indoor and outdoor team options, so your kids can continue swimming throughout the year. At the same time, swimming tends to be a lifelong activity. Many older adults who swim today started early in life and kept up with the sport well into their adult lives.
The YMCA of Greater Whittier has a lot to offer families and kids of all ages. If you’re interested in learning more about some of the different programs and activities we’re currently offering, contact us today.
