What age can you start swimming?

 Much is known about the benefits of swimming, a complete and very demanding sport for almost all the muscle groups of the body. In addition, its practice is usually recommended for all age groups. In this sense, is there a minimum age to start swimming?

The greatest advantages of practicing swimming have to do with the physical benefits it promotes with online lifeguard training. 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 start their children in the practice of this discipline. 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? Know the benefits of starting swimming as soon as possible!

Why start swimming from childhood?

There are several public bodies that recommend starting children in swimming as soon as possible. For example, the Department of Public Health in Ireland does so in this document.

Also, various academic publications that refer to swimming as a method of infant development. By introducing them to a new environment, their movements allow them to develop new capacities, thanks to the neural connections they establish.

In addition, this also brings mental benefits for the little ones. In the first place, 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, it is said that this activity leads to remarkable cognitive development for babies, but more studies are still needed in this regard. What is certain is that most of them really enjoy this time of fun!

Learn to swim in childhood

Beyond the convenience of swimming classes for parents and babies, professionals from the 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, as they point out, has not been achieved until that moment.

In the same publication –see bibliography– it is indicated that the previous contact with water can favor subsequent learning, but, above all, it represents an exceptional resource for emergency situations. In such cases, a baby may 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 whom the child trusts and safe, hygienic, and well-maintained facilities to develop the lessons.

Security recommendations

Of course, the fact that children start swimming at an early age entails certain 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 system must have time to develop.
• Never leave children alone in or near the pool, not even for a few seconds. Drowning can occur in seconds and in complete silence.
• Don't assume that a child who knows how to swim is totally safe in the water. Always watch him when he enters the pool.
• Lifeguards are not babysitters. Therefore, parents must take responsibility for the actions of their children in public spaces, especially if they are in the water.
• The temperature of the water is a fundamental aspect that must be controlled for babies and young children. If it shows signs of cold, the wisest thing to do is take it out of the water and wrap it in a towel.

Finally, it should be noted that a medical consultation before starting to swim can be extremely useful for babies and postpartum mothers. In this way, the recommendations for mothers and children can be known in detail so that they can enjoy this fantastic activity without risks or inconveniences.