6 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Take a Break from Your Child’s Swimming Lessons Over Winter

We know that it can be tempting to pause your child’s swimming lessons during the winter months. Let’s face it, hunkering down at home in the warm always feels preferable when it’s cold and wet outside, but the truth is that putting your child’s swimming lessons on hold can result in a decline in their independence and confidence in the water, and have a negative impact on their technique and stamina.

We spoke to Mark Cecil at Paul Sadler Swimland, who have long been advocates for year round swimming, to find out more about the benefits and risks of stopping lessons through winter.

“Regular formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88% – which is a huge amount,” Mark explains. “Our pools offer perfect conditions for swimming all day, every day! With the pool temperature set to a delightful 32°C and our deck set for 27°C, so there is no reason to let the weather put you off continuing your child’s swimming lessons.

So, before you hit pause on your child’s swimming lessons consider the following;

Maintain Progress

For many swimmers, the only access they have to the water during winter is through their regular formal swimming lessons, making lessons SUPER important in order to maintain progress. For children who are learning to swim, repetition and practice are key.

Regression of Skills

Swimmers who start and stop lessons don’t pick up from where they left off.

Children whose parents opt out of the swimming program for a few months struggle to retain their skills and regress, making them further behind than their peers who attended lessons year-round.

Be Ready for Summer Water Activities

Summer swimmers really are made in the winter. By swimming through the year you are putting yourself and your family in the best place to enjoy a safer summer.

Boost Immunity

If you are concerned that your child is more likely to catch a cold and get sick if they swim in the winter and go outside with wet hair – don’t be. Regular physical activity can actually boost your child’s immunity and reduce likelihood of illness. We recommend wrapping up nice and warm for the walk to the car. We lose most of our body heat from our head, so wearing a beanie is a great option.

Swimming Lessons Can Help Children Do Better at School

Researchers at Griffith University, looked at 7,000 kids who took swimming lessons in the USA, Australia, and New Zealand, and found that children who took swimming lessons before the age of 5, were between 6 – 20 months ahead of their peers across all developmental areas. You can read more about this study here.  

It’ll Ultimately Cost Less

Whilst parents may think that they’ll save money by skipping swimming lessons during winter, it’s actually a false economy. Children who have a break from swimming can regress in their skills and often end up needing more lessons than they would have if they had continued with their lessons all year round.

Drowning Occurs Year-Round

It’s a common misconception that drownings only occur in the summer when everyone is enjoying water activities in pools or at the beach. However this isn’t the case. Royal Life Saving found that 34% of drownings happen in the Autumn and winter seasons.

“While every child should be supervised around water,” explains Mark, “arming your children with the skills to save themselves, in the event they‘re in a dangerous or life-threatening situation, is something that our customers are extremely grateful for.

Visit Paul Sadler’s Swimland website to find a centre near you.