Types
Kids may enjoy swimming at public or private pools, in lakes and ponds, water parks and at the beach.
Benefits
Swimming strengthens the heart, lungs and muscles, and can be easily tailored to suit your child's ability level.
Effects
Swimming is well-suited for children who might not otherwise be willing or able to exercise. This includes overweight children, asthmatics, and those with juvenile arthritis.
Warning
According to KidsHealth, "Drowning is the second most common cause of death from injuries among kids under the age of 14."
Precautions
Kids should always be supervised while swimming, even once they're competent in the water. Home swimming pools should be covered or fenced in to prevent drownings.
Life Vests
A properly fitted life vest helps reduce your child's risk of drowning. Purchase life vests that fit your child snugly and pull upward on the vest to make sure it won't rise up around his chin.
Article Written By Marie Mulrooney
Marie Mulrooney has written professionally since 2001. Her diverse background includes numerous outdoor pursuits, personal training and linguistics. She studied mathematics and contributes regularly to various online publications. Mulrooney's print publication credits include national magazines, poetry awards and long-lived columns about local outdoor adventures.
