Diving into development: The benefits of swimming with your child

Whether swimming is something you only consider doing on holiday, or you’re a regular at the pool, many of us view learning to swim as essential for our children. It isn’t just a fun activity, and an important skill, it can also nurture your child’s development. By making swimming a regular part of your family routine, you can share moments of joy and lay the foundation for their health, development and learning. 

Motor skills mastery 

Swimming involves movements that demand coordination and strength. Although these skills may not fully develop within the first five years, introducing young children to the pool supports them to become aware of their bodies and develop strength and control of their movements.  

As well as supporting control, regular trips to the pool provide your child with the movement they need to build foundations of good health. Time spent swimming counts towards the three hours of physical movement recommended for children under five by the Chief medical officers of the United Kingdom.[1]  

For many of us the physical benefits of learning to swim are the ones we think of first, but swimming (and other physical activities) has other positive impacts on your child’s development.  

 Elevating self-esteem 

The journey of learning to swim is filled with milestones and achievements that can support your child’s self-esteem. These feelings of confidence that come with mastering physical skills are highlighted in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in England, which emphasises the role of physical development in building a positive sense of self.^[2] 

 Cognitive waves 

Swimming isn’t just about physical development; it can also support cognitive development. Your baby will develop their awareness of their body as the water provides sensory stimulation that helps them to feel their movements. As they link what they feel with the movements they make, they will begin to plan how to move – which all supports the building and strengthening of connections in their brain.  

A research review that looked at studies of swimming classes for children under 36 months, suggested that these had a positive impact on early executive functions skills.^[3] Executive functions are cognitive skills that enable us to plan, manage attention to focus on achieving a goal, remember and use information from our memory alongside information from our senses (working memory) and to inhibit our responses.^[4]  

Swimming in the early years is more than a way to pass the time; it can also be a great way to support your child’s development – so why not take the plunge today! 

References: 

[1] NHS UK. (n.d.). Physical activity guidelines for children and young people. Available at: NHS Physical Activity Guidelines (Accessed: 22 May 2024). 

[2] Department for Education. (20). Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage. Available at: EYFS Statutory Framework (Accessed: 22 May 2024). 

[3] Santos, C., Burnay, C., Button, C. and Cordovil, R., 2023. Effects of Exposure to Formal Aquatic Activities on Babies Younger Than 36 Months: A Systematic Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(8), p.5610. 

[4] Fleer, M. Walker, S, White, A., Veresov, N. & Duhn, I. (2020) Playworlds as an evidenced-based model of practice for the intentional teaching of executive functions. Early Years,  https://doi.org/10.1080/09575146.2020.1835830