10 Reasons Your Child Should Join a Swim Team this Fall

As a parent, you are likely cautious of over-scheduling your child (and yourself). You want to make sure any activity you commit to is adding value to your kid’s life:

• Are they having fun?

• Are they learning something?

• Are they growing from the experience?

It’s hard to know what’s going to be a good fit before you try it, but if your child has asked to join a swim team, say yes! Check out these 10 benefits of swim teams for kids.

1. Increased water safety. You likely already view swimming lessons as an investment in your child’s well-being. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) found benefits for children as young as one when it comes to swim lessons. The AAP found that children four to six are developmentally ready to learn to swim. After learning the fundamentals in swim lessons, being part of a swim team will turn newbies into confident, safe swimmers.

2. Inclusion of kids of all abilities. Unlike many team sports, the difference in ability is not a factor on a swim team. Whether your kid is just learning to swim or the next Katie Ledecky, there is a chance for every child to shine on a swim team.

3. Mental health benefits. Studies show that regular exercise decreases stress and anxiety. In addition, swimming’s rhythmic breathing triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and relaxation. Who couldn’t use more zen in their lives?

4. Enhanced brain function. It’s no surprise that swimming builds muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance. A study of more than 10,000 kids showed that swimmers were more advanced academically than their peers. Research finds that regular exercise changes the brain, improving memory and thinking skills.

5. Confidence boost. When swimmers improve their skills in the pool, that confidence often translates to other areas of life. The study found that swimmers tended to be more confident than their peers.

6. Teamwork. Swim teams combine the best aspects of individual and team sports. While many of the goals that are set are individual, children on swim teams also learn the value of teamwork. Swimmers rely on their team for encouragement, motivation, and community. Learning to give and receive support from teammates is an important life lesson for any child.

7. Self-motivation. On the flip side: swimmers’ results are their own. The first thing any swim coach will do is evaluate a swimmer and help them set goals for improvement. Unlike in other team sports, reaching those goals is in the control of the individual. Working hard and improving as part of a swim team will help your child motivate to reach goals in other parts of their lives.

8. Improved concentration. In a world full of distractions, swimming can improve your child’s focus. A 2017 study of adolescent competitive swimmers found many short- and long-term cognitive benefits, including increased concentration levels.

9. Better quality sleep. Anything that gives your child (and you) a better night’s sleep is worth doing, right?

10. Low-impact excercise. Rest assured: your child is not doing any long-term damage to their joints. Swimming is a sport that kids can carry on through adulthood.