By Mark Francis, MD
Department of Pediatrics
Most children have a natural affinity for the water. Water play is a particularly fun activity for children. However, being around the water always has the potential to turn deadly. Drowning is the second leading cause of unintended deaths in children age 1 to 14 in the U.S. according to the CDC. That’s why teaching your child to swim at an early age is so important to their overall safety.
Learn more about why children benefit from learning to swim:
It’s a skill that lasts a lifetime.
One of the best things about learning to swim is that your child can enjoy this activity throughout their lives. At any stage of life swimming can be a fun and healthy activity.
It can save a life.
If a boat or canoe your child is in overturns, being a good swimmer could save their life or help them save the life of a companion struggling in the water. Swimming lessons teach important water safety skills that can benefit your child throughout their life.
Swimming is a great workout.
When your child is actively swimming, they are moving multiple muscle groups. Swimming allows for both high- and low-intensity workouts. It’s great cardiovascular exercise and burns a lot of calories. Another benefit of swimming is that it’s a low-impact exercise that’s easy on the body’s joints.
It can help improve confidence.
Like any activity, when children develop their skills, it can help them to build self-esteem and a feeling of accomplishment
For more information on swimming lessons available in your area, visit:
https://worcestercentralkidscalendar.com/indoor-swim-lessons-in-central-ma/
About Mark Francis, MD
Dr. Mark Francis has spent over 25 years helping kids in Massachusetts grow up healthy. Dr. Francis says one of the things he enjoys the most about being a pediatrician is treating the children of his former patients. “I’m into my second generation of patients now,” he explains. “Watching kids grow up and then having them come back with their own children is incredibly rewarding to me. I have always loved pediatrics and interacting...
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