Swimming is a fun activity for children of all ages! On top of the physical benefits children can receive (including better muscle development, improved balance and co-ordination), swimming has also been linked to a number of surprising benefits.

1. 5 Surprising Benefits of Swimming
Swimming is a fun activity for children of all ages! On top of the physical benefits children can
receive (including better muscle development, improved balance and co-ordination), swimming has
also been linked to a number of surprising benefits, which is why we’ve started offering it to a
number of our childcare centres in Sydney.*

2. Here are 5 benefits you may not know of.
1. Better cognitive development
Children who have had swimming lessons as toddlers have been found to score higher for
intelligence and problem solving, often leading to academic success. They’ve also been shown to be
more self-disciplined, have greater self-control and an increased desire to succeed.

3. 2. Increased self-confidence
Swimming is a great way for children to learn important life skills. With every skill mastered,
children experience a boost in confidence and become more secure and courageous in the water.
These children were found to be more independent and comfortable in social situations later on in
life.

4. 3. Advanced social and emotional aptitude
Children learn important social cues and skills as they learn how to swim. They tend to understand
direction better, which helps them adapt better as they move to the big school. In fact, studies
have shown that children who’ve had swimming lessons in early childhood were 15 months ahead
(of non-swimmers) in terms of social and emotional development.

5. 4. Improved sleeping patterns
Pool time uses up a lot of energy! Getting accustomed to moving in a new environment and
mastering different skills works their little bodies in ways they may not be used to. All of this used
up energy makes for tired and sleepy children after an action-packed swimming lesson. Expect your
little one to be ready for a nap or to sleep longer at night on swim days!

6. 5. Improved appetite
As we mentioned earlier, swimming requires a lot of energy! All of that physical exertion is sure to
burn a lot of calories, making your little one extra hungry. Swimming can lead to an increase in your
child’s appetite, especially after a tiring swimming lesson.
We’ve got limited slots available so make sure you secure you child’s as soon as possible! For more
information, you can contact Little Zak’s head office in Ryde at (02) 8036 8390.

7. *Professional swimming lessons are currently only offered at Little Zak’s Brookvale, Jordan Springs
and Killara.
This article was originally published at Little Zak’s Academy Blog - http://www.littlezaks.com.au/5-
surprising-benefits-of-swimming/.