Researchers at Griffith University found that swim lessons actually teach a whole lot more than bubble blowing and back floats. In fact, their study showed that kids who took swim lessons before the age of 5, were 6 to 20 months ahead of their peers…in a ton of different areas.
The study looked at 7,000 kids who took swimming lessons in the USA, Australia and New Zealand. Turns out, those swim class kids had a substantial competitive edge across all developmental areas:
- Intellectually, they were 6 months ahead of their peers in counting and mathematics reasoning.
- Physically, they were 7 months ahead in motor development.
- Socially, they were 15 months ahead in socio and emotional development.
* Michael Jacobson, Swim study reveals a smart pool of talent –
To read more in detail about this fascinating study CLICK HERE
SAF-T-SWIM FACEBOOK FEED
WATER SAFETY REMINDERS
Information from other Universities, Government Agencies and Committees
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated it’s advice on drowning prevention. “To protect their children, parents need to think about layers of protection… Children need to learn to swim… Also parents must closely supervise their children around water and know how to perform CPR.”
These statements are quoted from Dr. Jeffrey Weiss, MD, FAAP and
lead author of the policy statement and technical report for (AAP).
*Drowning is still a leading cause of death for children under 5 years of age. Furthermore new evidence indicates that children who have been introduced to a water safety program may stand a much better chance of survival in the event of a water incident. In fact, along with proper adult supervision, formal swimming lessons are associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of drowning for children ages 1-4.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA)
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), National Institute of Health (NIH)
