As the cold mornings make it harder to get up we often hear parents say they are thinking about stopping swimming for a term. (Ouch!) This is not always the best course for the kids and here are some reasons it is important to keep your bub swimming through the winter…

1. CONTINUATION OF LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
   Babies that have a significant break from lessons find it hard to re-establish the routine when they return to swimming. The re-adjustment can take some time and it can be very stressful on baby and of course the carer. Skills that were starting to cement themselves have to be re-learnt after a big break.
2. HEALTH BENEFITS
   Swimming improves fitness which helps strengthen the immune system and is a social non contact activity. Even babies benefit from increased lung capacity and stamina. Also keeping kids cooped up together can help spread germs. It is impossible to catch a cold from simply “being cold” you have to come into contact with someone who has the virus. This constant close contact with other kids means they are exposed to more germs and therefore susceptible to catching colds.
3. SAFETY
   Water awareness and safety is not limited to summer. Through teaching our kids about water safety we are also safe guarding them from dangers outside of the pool – ponds, toilets, buckets, the bath, spas etc.reinforcement of these lessons are just as important in the winter as they are in Summer.
4. SAVING YOUR SANITY
   Swimming is an amazing recreational activity that is proven to develop your baby physically and cognitively, possibly more than any other organised baby activity. It’s also incredibly social for them and they get to have some quality one on one time with mum or dad. It is also a great way to get the kids out of the house and burn off some of their energy in a fun and educational atmosphere – clear off some of the cabin fever and hopefully tire them out for a good nap afterwards.
5. PROGRESSION IS NOT GUARANTEED
   In so many instances taking a term off can halt kids progression in the water meaning lessons from warmer months can ‘go to waste’ through lack of practice. Also when it comes to booking kids in again they may be too old to pick up where they left off and won’t have the necessary skills to skip a level leaving them to be held back a term.

Remember: The pools are heated to a lovely temperature, so think of it like going to a spa! Grab a rashie or wetsuit to help with the air temp when you get out, add a beanie and warm jacket to your kit list and make sure bub is completely dry when you leave.