Swimming is one of most children’s ‘experience dependent’ movement skills – meaning that it is not one they would acquire naturally or without some direct teaching and supervision.
Although the curriculum states that all children should be able to swim 25m unaided by the end of primary school, curiously there is no data available to determine if this is achieved or not.
The reasons for children’s inability to swim safely are many and varied – including financial issues, fear of water, family interest and lack of facilities. We know that many children will never see or swim in a big pool and can remain uneasy and uncertain around water. Maybe by identifying and focusing on these optimum early swimming experiences, we can promote a vital and life-saving skill.
DEVELOPMENT
For nine months in the womb, babies are surrounded by amniotic fluid – a dark, comforting, warm, watery environment in which sounds and rhythms, tastes and touch are experienced in a safe and secure way. Some time after birth, they will experience their first bath or wash. Many of their early water experiences will include the rain, showers, the seaside, sitting in a bucket, and playing with a garden sprinkler or hose.
From around six weeks old (not before), it is fine to introduce babies to pools and even better if this pool is especially designed for them. In the first three years, positive water experiences are critical and comfort, relaxation and confidence in the water must be a priority rather than the learning of specific strokes.
When children are completely safe, comfortable and confident in the water then different strokes may be introduced.
IMPORTANCE
Physically
- Water decreases the weight of an object by 50 times, which is a lovely sensation for babies and children!
- It gives them the freedom to move all their limbs at the same time however they like. These movements support overall strength and co-ordination, while they can explore a much wider range of movement than is possible on dry land.
- Swimming also stimulates their heart and lung function as they learn to control breathing under different conditions.
Emotionally
- Water is a natural therapeutic environment – a wonderful gravity-free medium in which the relaxing feeling of weightlessness is experienced.
- Children are sharing an element with their adult caregiver who has their complete attention – eye contact is maintained and they can follow the child’s lead with great sensitivity.
- Children experience a wonderful ‘velvet touch’ by their adult caregiver, and ‘kind’ hands are always used when they are held in the water.
- The sights, sounds and smells of the environment are all part of swimming and a shared experience by adult and child.
- Swimming offers a unique opportunity for adults to really ‘tune in’ to the individual child and closely observe their different reactions to stimuli.
SUPPORTING CHILDREN
Start by offering lots of different opportunities to play safely with and in water and to get used to the feel of water on the skin and face. Make sure these experiences are happy and positive, and be aware of personal preferences, which often vary widely.
Also, note that many sensory experiences are happening all at once when swimming, so be careful of sensory overload. They don’t need loads of extra toys to play with, but what they do need is time and space to explore safely and an adult caregiver who knows them well.
Encourage parents to swim with their children if appropriate and there are facilities available.
It is critical that all children are safe around water and, if possible, learn to swim with confidence when young. It is a good way to support their health as they grow, especially for those who are overweight or dislike organised sports. Swimming may be enjoyed in many different environments over a lifetime and can be a source of enormous pleasure and companionship. It is also an important skill to acquire for many water-based activities, for example, kayaking, canoeing, water-polo and paddleboarding.
HOW WE MAY ALSO BENEFIT
- You don’t have to be a brilliant swimmer to enjoy it – it is non-competitive and can be enjoyed individually or in a group.
- Swimming supports overall physical health and avoids stress on bones and joints.
- It can be meditative and relaxing – repetitive movements calm busy minds, so swimming is also good for maintaining sound mental health.
FURTHER INFORMATION
With thanks to Jo Wilson at Aqua Sensory www.aquasensory.com
ABOUT THIS SERIES
This is the final part of an eight-part series on essential physical skills and how to support them in childcare from birth to three. Dr Lala Manners is a physical development trainer and director of Active Matters.
