Winter Swimming

Continuity: Without a doubt, infants who swim right through winter have 'the greatest chance' of reaching their full potential sooner. Each age has its corresponding ripeness' for acquiring the new water skills that are easiest to attain at that specific time.

If the infant has acquired a skill to the point where the skill is an automatic reaction (a habit) then the child is more inclined to retrieve the skill with revision after a spell. We cannot be assured beforehand, however, that the skill has been acquired - firmly imprinted - to afford discontinuation for a period of time.

** The longer the learning curve, the greater the retention, the safer the swimmer **

Health and Physical Fitness: Infants who swim tend to be healthier than their non-swimming counterparts. Why is this so?

The deep breathing helps keep the lungs clear of accumulated mucous, reducing proneness to respiratory problems. Hence it is the preferred exercise for asthmatics.

The body's internal cleaning is governed by the lymph system. Lymph is the milky liquid which transports toxins from the cells to the blood which then releases them out of the body through the lungs, kidneys, intestines and skin. There is twice as much lymph in the body as there is blood and it is transported through the body by the action of muscles instead of the heart. Consequently, movement of muscles is imperative to a healthy body. Physically active infants therefore, tend to release toxins more easily than the inactive ones, especially in the pre-crawling stage.

It is wonderful to see infants thoroughly enjoying themselves in the water. Research has shown that when we enjoy ourselves the brain produces very powerful biochemicals called endorphins which are the strongest painkillers known to mankind. Not only that, they boost the immune system!

As many mothers are in the habit of massaging their infants either before or after their swim, this excellent practice also helps in moving lymph through the body. More importantly, this practice enhances the cutaneous stimulation (skin touch) that is so essential for well-being, not only for the infant but for mother as well.

Our teaching pool is heated to a very warm 31.5 degrees centigrade. The infants' change area is right next to the pool allowing for immediate drying-off.   Warm showers are also located at poolside.

With these ideal conditions and the benefits outlined above...

Why stop swimming in the winter ?