Learning to swim is not only an essential life skill. It is also an activity with unique physical, emotional and cognitive developmental benefits, especially when started at an early age. In this article, we explore how swimming for babies can make a significant difference to their growth and well-being. And how Casvi Villaviciosa encourages this practice from the earliest years of life.
WATER INSECURITY AND LACK OF EARLY STIMULATION
One of parents’ greatest fears is the safety of their children around water. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children under 5 years of age. However, beyond this obvious problem, there is also a failure to make the most of the first years of life, which are crucial for the motor, cognitive and emotional development of babies.
Many parents are unaware that activities such as swimming can stimulate fundamental skills such as coordination and self-confidence from an early age. Lack of exposure to supervised water activities can limit children’s all-round development and increase their fear of water as they grow older.
RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES LOST BY NOT LEARNING TO SWIM
Delaying the introduction to swimming can have long-term consequences. On the one hand, children who are unfamiliar with water tend to develop fear and mistrust, which hinders later learning. On the other hand, opportunities are missed to stimulate their physical and emotional development at a stage when the brain is highly receptive to new experiences.
Studies have shown that therapeutic and recreational swimming for babies helps improve muscle tone, coordination and social skills. It also fosters a stronger bond between parents and children through a shared activity – why wait for problems to arise when the solution is within reach from the start?
THE SOLUTION: BENEFITS OF LEARNING TO SWIM AS A BABY
Starting swimming in the first months of life brings key benefits that go beyond learning to swim. Here are some of the highlights:
1. WATER SAFETY FROM THE START
Babies who start swimming early develop basic skills such as floating, submerging and moving in the water. This significantly reduces risks in aquatic environments and improves their ability to react to unexpected situations.
2. PHYSICAL AND MOTOR DEVELOPMENT
Swimming strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, stimulates balance and boosts the cardiovascular system from an early age. In addition, movement in the water is ideal for the development of motor coordination.
3. COGNITIVE STIMULATION
The aquatic environment offers a rich sensory experience that stimulates baby’s brain. Learning to swim fosters neural connections related to problem solving, memory and attention.
4. TRUST AND SOCIALISATION
Overcoming challenges in the water helps babies gain self-confidence, while children’s group swimming lessons promote socialisation and teamwork.
5. RELAXATION AND EMOTIONAL BONDING
Swimming has a relaxing effect on babies, helping them to sleep better and manage stress. It also strengthens the emotional bond with parents by sharing quality time together.
6. THERAPEUTIC SWIMMING FOR SPECIFIC NEEDS
For babies with motor difficulties or special needs, therapeutic swimming offers an adapted approach that improves their mobility, strengthens their musculature and provides them with an experience of well-being.
“The best thing to do is to start as early as possible. Children who swim in their first years of life have a greater perception of the world. In the future they will be more creative and observant.
LEARNING TO SWIM IN CASVI VILLAVICIOSA
At Casvi Villaviciosa International School, sport is fundamental in the integral development of our pupils. For this reason, we have integrated swimming as an essential part of this development. Our educational approach, based on excellence and interdisciplinarity, includes aquatic activities both within the school curriculum and in extracurricular programmes.
“At Casvi we are aware of the benefits of swimming and for this reason we include it in the school day as another activity”.
SWIMMING WITHIN THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
From the First Cycle of Kindergarten, pupils at Casvi Villaviciosa take part in regular swimming sessions as part of their school timetable. These classes are designed to suit the level and age of each child, with a focus on safety, motor development and confidence in the water. Under the guidance of specialist instructors, our students learn essential skills for safe swimming in the water. At the same time, they enjoy an enriching experience that promotes their physical and emotional well-being.
CASVI SWIMMING SCHOOL
For those who wish to go deeper into swimming, our after-school swimming club, the Casvi Competitive Swimming School, offers a complete programme that goes beyond basic skills. This space allows students to perfect their techniques, explore different swimming styles and participate in competitions such as the prestigious Christmas Trophy.
Our swimming club not only trains technically competent swimmers. But also people with solid values such as effort, perseverance and teamwork. Thanks to a personalised approach, each student has the opportunity to progress at their own pace and achieve their aquatic goals.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO LEARNING TO SWIM
From the first immersions in the school curriculum to advanced training in our School of Initiation to Competition, at Casvi Villaviciosa we offer a complete experience that promotes both personal development and a love of sport. We believe that swimming is not only a life skill, but also a tool for the integral growth of our students.
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