Searching for a fun activity for your kids, which would help in their physical and psychological development at the same time? Swimming lessons make this scenario possible. While your child is having fun splashing around in the water with fellow kids, he is learning swimming and safety skills, while enhancing his overall health, social integration and psychological well-being.

When can babies start swimming lessons?

Although new mothers may be hesitant to take their babies to swimming pools, it is highly recommended that you take your baby for swimming lessons as early as possible. Baby swimming lessons generally start from 2 months. If taken later, your baby might develop a fear of water, thus making the learning process much harder. The sensation of the surrounding pool water will resemble that felt in the mother's womb, so babies will find the experience very comforting.

Why is swimming beneficial for babies?

Although a baby wouldn't interact as much as a child, swimming still carries with it a lot of benefits for babies:

• It enhances a sense of balance and coordination
• Improves eating and sleeping patterns
• It lowers the chance of the child being afraid of water in the future
• Strengthens muscles, and boosts muscle symmetry
• It makes babies more alert to their surroundings

Why are swimming lessons important for kids?

Along with the benefits mentioned above, kids will benefit from further social, health and psychological benefits:

-Health benefits:

Swimming enables kids to be active in a fun environment, and stimulates neurological and motor development, augments joint mobility, boosts stamina, and magnifies cardio-respiratory functions. Thus, their general health will take a turn for the better.

-Psychological benefits:

Swimming lessons will make your kids feel more confident above and below the water surface. They'll be able to swim independently much earlier in life, since swimming skills would have been developed from a young age. Swimming will also boost your child's development as learning through play is one of the most valuable learning methods.

-Social benefits:

Apart from health benefits, attending swimming lessons is a fun activity for both kids and adults, which enables them to bond together. Swimming also enables them to interact with kids their age, which will, in turn, help in your child's development.

Why are swimming lessons beneficial for mothers?

When mothers attend swimming lessons with their kids, it will enable them to:

• Experience precious quality time with their kids
• Relax and unwind
• Watch their kids' progress
• Increase their confidence in water
• Start gentle exercises which will help restore the body after childbirth

Swimming lessons for babies, toddlers and kids in Malta

Swimming lessons are generally provided for babies, toddlers, kids, and adults of any swimming ability.  Baby and toddler swimming classes generally take place with an accompanying adult, where safe swimming and learning through play is generally emphasised. In swimming lessons for kids, more in-depth techniques and skills are taught. Synchronised swimming may also be taught in more advanced stages. You can rest assured that fully qualified instructors will ensure your kids are safe at all times.

What do kids learn during swimming lessons?

While only basic skills are taught to young kids, more techniques are taught in later stages. The skills your child will learn in the early years, include, how to get in and out of the water safely, how to rotate, control breathing, and how to swim in different directions. During later stages, kids will learn how to jump properly, how to go underwater, float, dive, swim longer distances and at a higher speed, swim unaided, open their eyes underwater, and common swimming techniques, such as the breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly stroke. Safety skills are also developed. Since drowning is one of the main causes of death in children, kids will be taught what to do if they fall in the water.

Exercises are carried out according to your child's abilities and he/she will never be forced to do things which they're not ready to try out as yet.

Swimming lessons for adults

Swimming lessons for adults are also offered by a number of instructors. It doesn't matter whether you're a beginner or an advanced swimmer, lessons can be tailor-made according to your level, and according to your fitness targets.

Swimming is also a preferred exercise choice for many pre and postnatal mothers who wish to relax, while doing some exercise simultaneously.

One-to-one swimming lessons

Although swimming lessons are generally offered in small groups, one-to-one sessions may be required in the beginning to help kids gain enough confidence before attending their first swimming class. This is especially the case with kids who may have behavioural and developmental issues.

Other Services offered by Swimming Schools

Apart from swimming lessons, certain spaces also offer other services:

• Sale of Swimwear and swimming equipment
• Hydrotherapy for joint pain reduction, arthritis relief and physical rehabilitation
• Use of pool

Interested in taking up swimming lessons? You're never too old and it's never too late! Lessons are generally organised throughout the year, and not just in summer, since the pool temperature will be heated. Do register in advance to avoid disappointment!

Remember to take with you a swimming costume, swimming cap, pool shoes, and towels for your swimming lesson.