Let’s say you accidentally fall into a deeper part of a pool and there’s no one nearby; do you think you can survive without knowing how to swim? It is probably unlikely for you to do so without being a swimmer. Learning to swim offers a variety of pros that include safety from drowning, physical health benefits and mental well being. Swimming is regarded as a fundamental life skill among all age groups. 

First and foremost, learning to swim is a crucial life saving skill that decreases the risk of drowning for people of all age groups. Drowning still remains as one of the leading causes of accidental deaths around the world, with the number increasing among children. Pmc.ncbi.nim.nih.gov says, “Structured swimming lessons educate teenagers on critical water safety rules, rescue techniques, and self survival skills potentially saving lives.” Swimming is a foundational skill that enables teenagers to participate in numerous water-based recreational activities throughout their lives. 

Swimming is also an excellent full-body exercise that promotes cardiovascular health, muscular strength, endurance and flexibility. Justanswer.com says, “Teenagers who regularly swim tend to have lower resting heart rates, increased cardiac output and enhanced physical fitness.” The wide range of motion in swimming helps improve flexibility and joint mobility, which is particularly beneficial to teenagers during rapid growth spurts. Moreover, swimming contributes to healthy bone density that comes through treading water and is an effective calorie-burning activity that can aid in weight management.

Furthermore, swimming provides significant mental health benefits, that includes stress reduction, improved cognitive function, and boosted self-esteem. “The rhythmic movements and soothing effects of water can alleviate anxiety and enhance mood, which is very important among teenagers dealing with academic and social pressures” says goldfishswim.com. Additionally, swimming can enhance a teenager’s self-esteem through instilling a sense of accomplishment that comes from learning about their body’s capabilities, leading to heightened confidence both in and out of the body. Swimming can also relax the mind and body, helping teenagers to de-stress and rejuvenate.

Learning swimming is certainly a much needed life skill for all teenagers. It will definitely help them to not only traverse waters, but give them a more peaceful mind and better physical health. Participating in swimming lessons can be an opportunity for social interactions that can lead to meaningful friendships as well as better social skills. For students yet to learn swimming, it is highly recommended to do so, as it would always be a boon for the entirety of your life.