As a dedicated swim instructor of over 15 years, I've had the privilege of watching countless children develop their swimming skills during the summer months only to see them again next summer to find out that they forgot half of what I taught them! Or worse, when I see them again after the long school year, they have developed a fear of swimming.
In this blog post, we'll explore why this happens, why it's crucial for children to practice swimming year-round, rather than only in the summertime. We'll also explore how to get in swim practice during the colder months.
The Summertime Swim Progression
During the summer, kids get in lots of practice! Between participating in swim lessons, play time with the family, and vacations, there's plenty of time within these activities that they get to practice their swimming skills regularly, which leads to improvements and increased confidence.
The warm weather and vacations by the water make it the perfect opportunity for children to become better swimmers. However, once the school year starts, the pool days become less frequent, and this can lead to a decline and, in some cases, a complete regression in their swimming abilities.
Why Kids Forget How to Swim
Lack of Practice: When school is in session, children have less time for recreational activities like swimming. The absence of regular practice means that the muscle memory they've built up over the summer starts to fade.
Just like any other skill, swimming requires consistent practice to maintain proficiency. In fact, consistent practice in swimming is required more so than any other skill to remain proficient due to the fact that it is in an environment we aren't exposed to 24/7.
Loss of Confidence: Confidence plays a significant role in swimming. When kids don't practice regularly, they start to doubt their abilities. This loss of confidence can hinder their performance when they do get back in the water, which can cause significant regression in their swimming progress- even to the point that they begin to fear putting their face in again, which we know from my previous blog of "Why Kids Should Master Swimming Without Goggles," how important that is.
Not Completing Certain Skills: There are certain milestones in swimming that need to be met before children can or should stop participating in formal swimming lessons. These skills must be mastered and practiced regularly in order for children to not develop fear or lose confidence in the water.
Taking a long pause during the entire school year can be really detrimental if these milestones haven't been met. This is especially true for swimmers under 3 years old. The younger your child is, the more important it is to stay consistent and not take long breaks in swimming lessons.
The Importance of Year-Round Swimming
Safety: The ability to swim is a critical life skill. Drowning poses a significant risk to children, and keeping up with swimming skills can be a lifesaver in an emergency situation.
Confidence and Progression: Continual practice ensures that children build on their skills rather than regressing and starting from scratch each summer. This leads to faster progression and greater confidence in the water.
Health and Fitness: Swimming is an excellent form of exercise that promotes physical fitness and overall well-being. Encouraging kids to swim year-round helps them stay active and healthy. Read more on the benefits of swimming!
Tips for Year-Round Swimming Practice & Avoiding Regression in Swimming Skills:
Indoor Pools: Don't let the weather be a factor! Look for indoor swimming facilities in your area to maintain regular swimming practice, even during the colder months.
Private Lessons: Consider private swimming lessons, which can be more flexible and tailored to your child's schedule. In addition to getting the most out of each class, due to having the instructor's full attention for the entire class.
Swim Team: Joining a swim team can provide structure and motivation for kids to continue swimming throughout the year. As well as, ensure that they gain tremendous confidence in the water.
Practice at Home: Encourage your child to practice basic swimming skills, such as blowing bubbles and kicking their feet, in the bathtub or a local community center's pool during the school year.
Purchase a Pool Heater: An extra for those of you that have a pool and live in FL and other mostly warm places, consider installing a pool heater so that once October rolls around, swim classes and weekend pool time can still be a regularly experienced activity.
As a swim instructor, I can't emphasize enough the importance of year-round swimming for kids. The risk of forgetting how to swim during the school year is a real concern, but with a proactive approach, we can ensure that children not only maintain their skills but also continue to improve.
Swimming is not just a summertime activity; it's a lifelong skill that should be nurtured and developed throughout the year. By doing so, we can keep our children safe and confident in the water. Click the Kitty Swimmers Logo below to purchase swim wear, bookbags, and more to keep swimming top of mind year round.
Written by Cat V.
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