Benefits of swimming

Save lives.

Water can be dangerous. It should be treated with respect and understanding. Children who know how to swim well not only can save themselves when in water, but are far more equipped to recognise the inherant dangers of water.

Childhood development.

Swimming exercises and strengthens children's muscular and cardio vascular systems. The unique environment allows the body to move in ways it cannot on land, leading to better co-ordination and fine motor skills.
Signs of improved cognitive development have been noticed by several researchers and a world first study is currently under way at Griffith university. The research is to verify what we have believed for years, that 5 year olds who have swum for most of their lives are better prepared to leave mum and dad and begin their schooling. More...

Why baby swimming?

Babies less than one year old accept the water more readily than older children.
Fear of water is acquired as children grow older; the longer a child is kept away from water, the more likely the child will develop aquaphobia.
Babies can exercise more muscles in the water, they are less restricted by gravity and their ability to sit or stand. This increased strength often manifests itself in early acquisition of physical skills like walking.
Swimming improves babies cardiovascular fitness. Although babies are limited in how much they can improve their endurance, swimming does have a beneficial effect. More...

Understanding the ideal conditions for swimming lessons

Young children and infants are sensitive to their environment. One of the most important things for your child is an environment this is comfortable and conducive to learning to swim.

Key factors you should consider:

What is the water temperature? Ideally 31.5 – 33 degrees Celsius.

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Opinions on swimming techniques and issues

There is no one correct way to teach swimming. uSwim recognises that there have been lots of successful styles and methods when it comes to teaching children to enjoy and swim well in water. However some programs are better than others at teaching those children who maybe aren't so athletically gifted or find swimming difficult. The beauty of the uSwim program is that it does not allow children to fall behind. Instead kids contuinue working at and practicing a set skill untill they can perform it, and then they move on to the next. We believe that over the years Aquatic Achievers and now uSwim include the best methods to teach all children, not just those lucky kids who are natural swimmers.

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Helpful Hints

Seek quality Professional lessons

uSwim strongly advises your child be taught to swim by a professional. Good Swim teachers are more able to deal with problems that may arise. We also find it is good for children to have someone other than mum and dad to learn from. Swimming with children also has many benefits for kids such as taking turns, waiting safely, encouraging others and general social interaction.

However, uSwim's better than guessing or poor lessons.

uSwim was created because only a fraction of the world's population have access to or can afford professional lessons. For most families, its mum and dad who are going to get the kids swimming. In the past you would need to rely on something 'aunti betti' said worked for her kids. uSwim allows you to feel confident you are using a systematic and safe approach.

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