Many children can not swim properly
In the cool water: Swimming is so important for children
Swimming is one of the most popular leisure activities among Germans. But fewer and fewer children can swim properly, a Forsa study shows. But splashing around in the water is very valuable for young people.
Read more after the ad
Read more after the ad
Baby swimming from the fourth month of life
In fact, even babies can get to the outdoor pool. Regardless of the fact that they splash more in the water than they learn real swimming techniques, they feel very comfortable in the cool water. Of course, you should not stay in the swimming pool, but in the non-swimmers area.
Baby swimming is possible from the fourth month of life and serves primarily to get used to the water in a playful way. Something that is of course always possible besides baby or infant swimming away from the pool: splashing around in your own tub. At the age of four or five, children can then also approach proper swimming. Exactly when depends on the individual development.
Read more after the ad
Read more after the ad
Swimming improves motor skills
At the same time, children can complete the so-called seahorse. A kind of preparation qualification for growing swimmers in Germany, which is linked to a series of exams: The children have to swim 25 meters, get two diving rings out of the breast-high water and jump from the edge into the deep water. But beware: Although children can stay afloat with the seahorse, they are not yet able to swim safely. Supervision is therefore still necessary.
Once in the water, swimming helps children improve motor skills and encourages better coordination by getting their arms and legs to work together. At the latest from the age of eight, swimming is one of the most important sports for children’s basic motor development. For only there can they experience different movements of movement that expand the body consciousness: pressure, resistance, sense of balance.
Swimming club promotes socializing
Swimming also improves posture. It strengthens the arm and back muscles and thus prevents postural damage at an early stage. In addition, swimming provides security and has a positive effect on the child’s development by supporting independence and strengthening independence and self-confidence.
Read more after the ad
Read more after the ad
Children who want to go more than just an occasional swim should sign up directly for a swim club. This promotes social interaction and exchange of ideas between the children.
Long waits for swimming lessons
Although water sports offer so many positive benefits, the trend is unfortunately going in the wrong direction. A Forsa survey from 2017 shows that fewer and fewer children can swim properly. This is partly due to the lack of swimming lessons during school hours, and mobile phones and video games also stand in the way of the joy of swimming in leisure time. But the supply of swimming lessons is often poor and there are long waits.
Therefore, about a third of the children who leave primary school cannot swim properly. The best remedy for this: Take your children proactively to the outdoor or indoor pool and swim a few lengths. The body will appreciate it.
Professor Ingo Froboese is the head of the health center at Cologne’s Sports University and gives regular tips here.
Read more after the ad
Read more after the ad
In the column “On the couch” write changing experts on the topics of partnership, mindfulness, career and health. Martin Wehrle is a career consultant.
Download our new RND app for Android and iOS here for free