We’d all like our children to grow up to be happy swimmers who relish the chance for a dip in the pool. We know that swimming lessons have a great impact on a child’s enjoyment of the water. So what do the best swim schools actually do?

The answer is simple…

Games, excitement and a chance to explore always gives your child a more pleasurable experience of swimming.

If your swim school gets it right, then your child’s enjoyment will last well into adult life.

Games have many social benefits too! For example:

• Learning new games aids cognitive and listening skills

• Games help shy children build intra-personal skills

• Interaction improves self-confidence

• Imaginative games allow children to express ideas, share with others.

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A well-structured swim programme for everyone

In a well-structured swim programme, your child will be encouraged to develop their movement skills and build water confidence.

Their progress is regularly monitored and you will see the benefits of play-led learning in their increased confidence and willingness to try out new activities.

Other parents have seen how skills develop quickly with a games-based swimming lesson:

‘Rufus really enjoyed his swimming lesson, so thanks so much! I was amazed to see him having a go at everything, and he told me that his favourite thing about the lesson (other than playtime!) was when he put his face under the water….which I have never seen him do before so willingly!’ Caroline, Bath

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Fun during lessons increases endorphins and helps children stay alert

Studies have shown that when children are actively engaged, they take in more of the lesson and can demonstrate what they have learnt for a long time afterwards.

Neurologist and educator Judy Willis explains that having fun triggers the release of endorphins which in turn make children more alert and receptive to the information that’s being offered.

‘The human brain and body responds positively to laughter with the release of endorphins, adrenaline and dopamine, and with increased breathing volume (more oxygen). When a lesson starts with humour, there is more alerting, and the subsequent information is attached to the positive emotional event as an event or flashbulb memory.’ (“Research-Based Strategies to Ignite Student Learning: Insights from a Neurologist and Classroom Teacher” (ASCD, 2006)

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Exciting activities help those with nerves too!

Seeing other children enjoy themselves helps to relieve more anxious swimmers of their fears. By watching others enjoy themselves during a swimming lesson, nervous swimmers begin to allay their fears. If a child can be distracted from their fear of the water for just a moment, they begin to relax. The release of tension helps buoyancy no end and their water confidence takes a real boost!