Why Is Swimming Good for Kids? 11 Benefits for Singapore Families
Swimming is one of the few activities that is fun, keeps children fit and teaches a skill that could save their life. Here are eleven reasons it is worth the effort.
1. Water safety skills
The World Health Organization lists drowning among the leading causes of death for children aged 1 to 14 worldwide, and lists teaching school-age children swimming and water safety skills as one way to reduce it. Learning to float, turn back to the wall and get out of the pool safely gives children skills they will use for life. Lessons do not make a child drown-proof, so close supervision is still essential; see our water safety tips.
2. It helps them reach their daily activity target
WHO recommends that children and teenagers aged 5 to 17 do an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity a day. A swimming lesson or an active family swim is a fun way to contribute.
3. It builds the heart and lungs
Swimming is aerobic exercise that raises the heart rate and breathing, building fitness that carries over to other sports and to the playground.
4. It works the whole body
Every stroke uses the arms, legs and core together. Children build strength and endurance without the repeated impact of running and jumping.
5. Coordination and body awareness
Swimming asks children to coordinate their arms, legs and breathing in rhythm, often while lying in an unfamiliar position. Mastering this builds coordination and body awareness.
6. Confidence from clear milestones
The first time putting their face in, the first float without help, the first width, the first time in the deep end: swimming offers frequent, visible achievements. Structured programmes such as SwimSafer give children stages and certificates to work towards.
7. Overcoming fear
Many children are nervous of water at first. Learning step by step that they can stay safe and in control is a powerful lesson in managing fear, and it carries over to other new challenges.
8. Listening and following instructions
In the pool, children quickly learn why it matters to listen to the coach, wait their turn and follow rules. These are habits parents and teachers appreciate.
9. Friendships and social skills
Group lessons, school swimming and family outings give children time with others in a shared, active setting.
10. A sport for life
Children who swim confidently can join school teams, try water polo, lifesaving or open-water swimming later, or simply keep swimming for fitness as adults.
11. Family fun, wherever you travel
Pools, beaches and holidays become more relaxing for the whole family when every child can swim well and understands water safety.
Swimming in Singapore schools
Swimming is part of the Physical Education syllabus in Singapore primary schools, which use Sport Singapore's SwimSafer programme to teach basic swimming and water survival skills. According to the Ministry of Education, schools usually enrol the Primary 3 cohort, and the programme is funded by MOE and typically conducted during curriculum time. School lessons are a valuable start, but a few weeks of lessons is not enough for most children to become confident swimmers, so many families add lessons outside school. Read more about SwimSafer preparation.
When should children start?
The American Academy of Pediatrics says children can begin swim lessons from around age one, depending on readiness. Read the best age to learn swimming and infant swimming benefits, or see our toddler swimming course and kids swimming course.
More in children and babies
- Infant swimming benefits10 benefits of swimming with your baby, and how to keep it safe
- Does swimming make you taller?What really decides height, and what swimming can do
- What to bring for baby swimming lessons10 must-have items for the swim bag
- What is artistic swimming?A beginner's guide to the Olympic sport
Sources
- World Health Organization, Drowning fact sheet. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 14; teaching school-age children swimming and water safety skills helps prevent it.
- World Health Organization, Physical activity fact sheet. Children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 should do an average of at least 60 minutes a day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
- Ministry of Education, Parliamentary reply on the SwimSafer 2.0 programme (2021). Swimming is a key learning area in the primary PE syllabus; schools usually enrol the Primary 3 cohort; fully funded by MOE and typically conducted during curriculum time.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org), Drowning prevention recommendations. Swim lessons can start after a child turns 1.
Find the right swimming lessons for your child
Tell us your child's age, their swimming experience and anything the instructor should know. We will suggest a suitable course, format and pool. Lessons run at public swimming complexes, private venues and condominium pools across Singapore.