Why You Should Continue Swim Lessons Beyond Summer

While swimming is most frequently associated with the summer months, the sport can—and should—be practiced year-round, as it not only supports skill retention but also offers numerous health benefits. Our warm water pools at the YMCA are a great place to learn to swim any time of the year! Here are some reasons to keep up with swim lessons even when the cold weather makes you want to stay inside.

1. Reinforce Swimming Skills Year-Round

Like any skill, learning to swim doesn’t just happen overnight. Routine practice can help swimmers retain skills and master them quicker, so they can progress in the swim lessons curriculum and gain more confidence so they’re prepared to swim independently. Taking a break from lessons may lead to skills regression, making kids less prepared for safe recreational swimming. Psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus famously theorized that a person forgets 90% of what they’ve learned within the first month without proper reinforcement. Additionally, regular practice is essential for swimmers who want to try out for a swim team at the Y or join a school league. 

2. Boost Confidence in the Water

Swimming is a fun way to cool off in the heat and the summer is filled with opportunities to enjoy water whether at a home pool, beach vacation, lakeside retreat, or even at summer camp. Drowning can happen anywhere there is access to water, and even in winter there are opportunities for swimming while on vacations to warmer climates with beaches and outdoor pools, or at indoor pools and waterparks. Signing up for swim lessons is a great way for kids and adults alike to boost swim readiness skills and feel confident around all kinds of bodies of water. The Y offers swim lessons for all ages, whether you’re looking for a beginner class or more advanced level class.

3. Reduce Drowning Risks

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children under 14, with the highest rates among children ages 1-4. Formal swimming lessons reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88 percent, according to the USA Swimming Foundation. Taking swim lessons from a young age helps kids become more comfortable around water. As part of their lessons, students also learn how to be safe in and around water, and they learn important self-rescue techniques like “swim-float-swim.”  Families can sign up for parent-child swim lessons at the Y, which are included in a Family Membership at West Essex and Sussex County Ys. Through fun songs and exercises, these classes are led by Y instructors and introduce babies and toddlers to the water alongside a parent or caregiver. 

4. Enjoy Health Benefits of Swimming

Learning to swim isn’t just important for safety; it can also be a great workout! Swimming has several incredible benefits for cardiovascular and muscular health, as well as mental health, in both adults and children. Staying active also helps support a healthy immune system. Looking for another way to combat the winter blues? According to the CDC, swimming and water-based exercise can decrease anxiety and depression, and boost one’s mood. Plus, for kids, studies have found many physical and neurological benefits of swimming, including improved literacy and math skills.

Discover Swim Lessons at the YMCA 

Ready to keep the swim momentum going? For more information about enrolling in swim lessons at the YMCA, visit www.metroymcas.org/swim or call 973-758-9039. 

Keep your family safe and healthy by continuing swim education year-round! Incorporating these practices not only reinforces essential swimming skills but also creates a foundation for lifelong health and safety in aquatic environments. Make the leap and ensure your family’s readiness for every water experience that comes their way.