Importance of Swimming

Roberta Alessandra Pedrasoli
Degree in Biomedicine

swimming is important physical activity and as a survival skill, which makes it one of the most complete sports out there. Taking into account that the ability to move in the water is an ancient practice, which makes it so special compared to other sports is its multifunctionality, promoting positive effects on different age groups, since it can be done from four months of age to old age.

It was officially considered a sport in the 19th century, making its debut in the Olympic Games of Athens in 1896. It differs in some styles of movements in the water such as breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly and the popular freestyle. Today it has a series of directly related sports such as water polo, synchronized swimming and diving.

In a generic way we can say that, among the main benefits, motor conditioning, the work of the muscles and joints in a balanced way, breathing (when practiced in a humid environment helps to reduce and prevention respiratory diseases), relieves stress and, above all, prevents drowning.

child swimming

By remembering the intrauterine environment, babies adapt very easily to swimming lessons since up to approximately At one year of age, the swimming reflex (blocking of breathing and movement of arms and legs) is present in the little ones. A fun and very stimulating development tool that can be practiced from a very early age. In fact, up to the age of three, the dynamics of the class differs a little from that of older children, since at this stage the objective is limited to stimulating and not teaching swimming, which does not change the fact that it is one of the few physical activities allowed to this age. Children who have had their first contact with "water" when they are still babies have an easier time learning the technique of swimming in the future.

As the development process is more intense in the early years, swimming will serve to increase the motor repertoire and the acquisition of skills. It helps to practice autonomy and body awareness by working on different movements, which favor motor skills, balance and agility. In the sensory part, vision works - trajectory, hand/eye coordination - touch, and as they are usually lessons guided by music to the ear - increase in vocabulary and memory.

Another important aspect that is worked on is the psychic-social aspect. In addition to working on social relationships, as it is a group practice that favors socialization, it helps emotional control -as water helps to calm the normal frustrations with the rules that babies and children experience - and builds confidence - many exercises imply security -. the baby with jumps, grabs and supports that strengthen this bond with parents or caregivers.

Physical and mental benefits

Being a low-impact activity that moves the whole body, mainly muscles and joints, it is indicated for practically all ages and types of conditioning, being highly recommended for the elderly and people in motor rehabilitation, since it helps in the recovery of injuries. Aquatic exercises combine strength with the movement of the arms and legs, helping to improve the physical condition, strengthening muscular resistance, mobility of ligaments and joints and posture bodily. Already in greater intensity it can contribute to fat loss and weight control.

Due to the respiratory requirement necessary for the practice of sport, it teaches to control breathing and increase cardiorespiratory resistance, being especially beneficial for asthmatics, since by strengthening the pectoral muscles it increases lung capacity and thus facilitates better oxygen absorption and consequently circulation sanguine. Several studies relate the benefits mainly in asthmatic children and adolescents, leading to an improvement in the symptoms of respiratory diseases.

As in other sports, endorphins are released that lead the person to a feeling of pleasure and well-being, helping to control stress.

Social activity

Swimming is a good part of the main activities in moments of rest or vacation, especially on hot days. A quick search of the main destinations to travel shows several options with beaches, rivers and hotels with swimming pools. For shorter moments like an afternoon after school or a weekend, especially for those who live far from the "water", they are also The discos, the public pool and even the private pool are very popular for those who have the luxury of enjoying and sharing with friends.

Although it is not necessary to practice swimming to attend these environments, the lack of swimming ability limits the options of what and how to enjoy them. For example, you can use the pool, but remember to limit yourself to the area where your feet touch the ground. without covering your torso, or you can go further out to sea, but inside a boat and with a vest float. In the case of children and adolescents who do not know or respect safety rules and limits, the best way to prevent accidents is to know how to swim from a young age.

It is worth noting that young children should never go near places with water without the supervision constant of an adult (regardless of their level of swimming).

drowning prevention

Knowing how to swim is an important survival skill. Mastering an environment that is not natural to us such as the aquatic environment and being able to move in the water without the help of any means of transport or accessories (such as buoys and boards) gives us a plus of security in moments of leisure in swimming pools. and beaches

Drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death and, according to the WHO, it accounts for about 7% of deaths worldwide, with children among the main victims. Although accidents and tragedies in the water can victimize even the best swimmer, a lack of proficiency and skill in swimming is among the leading causes.

Strategies to prevent drowning are so important that the UN dedicates July 25 to debate and exchange of ideas. World Drowning Day is a global event that highlights swimming education, water safety and safe rescue skills among proven measures.

Consulted bibliography

– AHR, B. Swimming with babies and young children, playful exercises to promote early movement in the water. Barcelona, ​​Editorial Paidotribo, 1996.
– Benefits of swimming for young children
– Benefits of Swim Training for Children and Adolescents with Asthma
– WHO Drowning
– WHO Drowning. Key facts