
Children are more receptive to new experiences, and more adaptable to changes in their environment.
5 Reasons why it is better to learn swimming as a child
Swimming is an essential life skill that is not only fun but also has numerous health benefits for everyone of all ages. It is a great form of exercise and can improve your overall health, build endurance and strengthen muscles. While we can learn swimming at any age, it is most useful and also important to learn swimming as a child during our early years. Learning to swim at an early age provides many advantages than learning it when you are older or an adult.
1. Children are more open to learning.
At a young age, we tend to be less fearful of the water. A child is more open to taking a chance and going ahead than an adult who may think a lot about the consequences. Children are more receptive to new experiences, and more adaptable to changes in their environment. This makes them more open to learning how to swim. The big advantage of this openness is that they will learn more quickly and pick up the skills much faster than an adult.
2. Children are physically more flexible.

It is easier for children to learn proper technique and avoid injury.
Children’s bodies are more flexible, and their muscles and bones are still developing, which makes it easier for them to learn proper technique and avoid injury. Besides this, it is also a very good form of exercise for children as it is gentler on their muscles and bones when compared to other sports activities like football, badminton etc.
3. Children learn a life-saving skill that is better when learnt sooner.
Another important reason to learn swimming as a child is safety. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children worldwide. By providing their children with swimming lessons at an early age, parents can significantly reduce the risk of drowning. They learn a life-saving skill that is going to be with them throughout their lives. Children who know how to swim are better equipped to stay afloat, tread water, and reach the side of the pool or shore in case of an emergency. They also learn important safety skills such as entering and exiting the pool safely, diving safely, and staying calm in the water.
4. Children can improve their social skills at an early stage.
Learning to swim as a child provides the opportunity for numerous social benefits. Swimming as an activity is a great way to make new friends and take part in team sports with other children in the neighbourhood or other society circles. Regular swimmers are known to be more self-assured, have stronger social skills and better at communication. They also learn the value of cooperation, teamwork and sportsmanship. Swimming is also a fantastic approach to develop character and discipline because it calls for concentration, tenacity, and commitment to get better.
5. Swimming provides numerous physical health benefits, gives children a strong advantage.
Learning to swim as a child can provide numerous physical health benefits. Swimming is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise that improves lung capacity, boosts circulation, and strengthens the heart. Swimming can also help build strength and endurance, which can improve performance in other sports and activities. But health, fun, and confidence are not the only reasons why your child should learn to swim.
Learning to swim as a child sets a strong foundation for a lifelong love of the water and the ability to swim proficiently also opens up the door to a range of other activities. Children can enjoy activities like scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, canoeing and also take up endurance sports like triathlons as they grow older.

Scuba diving is a great activity for older children.
NB: Children should always be accompanied by their parents or appointed guardians when in or around the pool or any water bodies. DSA provides Learn to Swim Programs for Children for all ages. Classes are available at multiple locations across Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Shah Alam areas in the Klang Valley and Johor, Malaysia.