Our Swimming Program is currently held at Boonah Swimming Pool at Boonah State High School and consists of students visiting for 6 weeks in Term 1 for weekly swimming lessons. We then finish the Term with our Swimming Carnival in Week 9.
There are numerous benefits to swimming lessons and is often considered an essential life skill, especially here in Queensland. Here are several reasons why swimming lessons are beneficial for children:
- Water Safety: Learning to swim helps children become more confident and comfortable in water environments. They acquire essential water safety skills, such as floating, reading water, and understanding basic rescue techniques. These skills can significantly reduce the risk of drowning and increase their safety in and around water bodies.
- Physical Fitness: Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise that engages almost all major muscle groups. It helps improve cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and coordination. Regular swimming can contribute to overall physical fitness, promote a healthy lifestyle, and combat sedentary behaviours associated with modern living.
- Social Interaction: Swimming lessons provide an opportunity for children to interact with their peers in a structured and supervised environment. They can make new friends, learn teamwork, and develop social skills while participating in group activities and team exercises.
- Confidence and Self-Esteem: Learning to swim and achieving milestones in swimming lessons can boost a child's confidence and self-esteem.
- Stress Relief and Recreation: Swimming is a fun and enjoyable activity that can help children relax, unwind and relieve stress. It provides a break from academic pressures and allows children to engage in a recreational activity that promotes mental well-being and relaxation.
- Lifelong Skill: Learning to swim is a lifelong skill that can benefit children throughout their lives. Whether for recreational purposes, participating in water sports, or enjoying water-based activities during vacations, swimming allows individuals to fully enjoy aquatic environments and engage in a wide range of water-related activities confidently.
It's important to remember that children should always be supervised around water, regardless of their swimming ability. Swimming lessons are not a substitute for close adult supervision, but they can significantly enhance a child's water safety and aquatic skills.