The Scientific Part:
Swimming has been enjoyed since prehistoric times. For children, swimming not only helps to make them safer around water, it is wonderful for a child’s brain. New research shows that a baby’s brain develops through bilateral cross-patterning movements like the movements done in swimming. The more bilateral cross-patterning movements, the more nerves develop in the corpus callosum. The corpus callosum is a tract of 200 million nerve fibers that connect the right and left hemispheres of the brain and facilitate communication, feedback and modulation from one side of the brain to the other. Cross-patterning movements such as swimming activate both cerebral hemispheres and all four lobes of the brain simultaneously, which can result in heightened cognition and increased ease of learning.
Scientific studies of young swimmers at the German Sport University Cologne have shown that early water-movement develops the child in three key areas: physically, mentally and emotionally. As compared with a control group which did not take year-round lessons, the children who swam consistently from infancy (3 months) were significantly stronger and more coordinated when tested at 2, 3 and 4 years of age.
Emotionally, they were found to be more self-disciplined, with greater self-control and an increased desire to succeed. From consistent goal-setting and skill achievement in swimming, they rated higher in self-esteem. Finally, the children were more independent and comfortable in social situations than the control groups.
Scientific studies have shown participation in swimming classes helps to strengthen a child’s self-confidence and children who took part in swimming lessons from the age of 3 months to 4 years were better adapted to new situations and had better self-confidence and independence than non-swimmers. In swimming classes, children cooperate within a social structure to take turns and share. This fosters a sense of belonging, which builds self-esteem and develops social confidence. More recent research has shown that swimming lessons for babies advanced their physical development. Studies show that baby swimmers developed better balance, movement and grasping techniques than non-swimmers. This difference persisted even when the children were 5 years old. So, whether your child wants to be an Olympian or just a safe, skilled swimmer, parents and educators can use this information to make sure aquatic training is given top priority and is recognized as an invaluable tool to their child’s learning experiences.
