Indianapolis, IN
What happened to Fall? It seems like we went straight from Summer weather to Winter weather. The pools have closed, we have no plans to go on vacation near the water anytime soon, and I just want to stay on the couch in my pajamas- no need for swim lessons, right?
That’s what I thought last year. Before we opened British Swim School of Hamilton County, our son went through intensive private swim lessons in the summer and made a lot of progress. Despite our best intentions to keep him practicing, we stopped swimming for the winter. When the outdoor pools opened in the spring, we found out he had lost all of his skills. That was $$$ straight down the drain. I wish I knew then what I know now- winter swimming is beneficial and so important!
Like any activity, swimming requires regular and ongoing practice and coaching. Stop swimming and kids literally lose the muscle memory. Students who swim through the winter months are better prepared with water safety and physical skills come summer time. Plus, water doesn’t cease to exist just because winter approaches. Lakes, retention ponds, bathtubs, vacation pools and beaches, rivers, and streams are present year-round. As much as we can be lulled into the sense that water safety is a “summer month concern,” we really should be vigilant even as the temperatures drop.
Swim lessons are also a great way to get your child out of the house and access to some physical activity. It is recommended that toddlers get 60+ minutes of physical activity a day, and preschool age kids should be getting 120+ minutes. In the winter months there are fewer options. If your children are like mine, they get that physical activity by running around the house, jumping off furniture, and climbing up…everything. This is the perfect time to get them into one of our indoor pools so they can get exercise to burn that energy!
You might be thinking “it’s too cold outside to take my kids swimming.” While its cold outside, our pools are indoors and heated. What’s more – we have changing tents, hair dryers, and bathrooms to make sure your little ones get changed back into comfy dry clothes, ready to take on the rest of the week before you leave.
Winter swim lessons can help improve a child’s health by giving them regular physical activity, which can improve sleep and strengthen the immune system. It may seem counter-intuitive but winter swim lessons may be one of the best things you can do for your child’s health, safety and of course FUN!
British Swim School, Hamilton County offers premium water survival and swimming lessons for infants, toddlers, children and adults, starting at just 3 months old. We proudly serve the Indianapolis and Northside communities of Zionsville, Westfield, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, McCordsville, Castleton, and Meridian-Kessler. Call 317-863-0300 to enroll or find a class online.
