How swim lessons help kids outside the water – in school

This paid piece is sponsored by SafeSplash Swim School.  

As kids head back to school this fall, consider also sending them to swim lessons – and you’ll see benefits back in the classroom too.

“It’s not something people automatically think of with swim lessons, but there are definite benefits in a school setting from what we teach here – in addition to preparing them for a lifetime of water safety,” said Dan Sobocinski, who co-owns and operates with his wife, Christa, the Sioux Falls locations at Dawley Farm Village, 85th Street and Minnesota Avenue and GreatLIFE Woodlake Athletic Club.

“Families quickly realize how much the learning transfers.”

For instance:

Newfound confidence

Many students struggle in school because they lack confidence in their ability to overcome the challenges of learning something new.

In the pool, kids with individualized coaching learn to reach new milestones and develop confidence that translates into their daily life. Expect to see them become more comfortable asking questions when they don’t understand as they embrace the learning process.

Mental development

Swimming is a full-body exercise that increases the heart rate and helps strengthen cardiovascular health. Healthy habits and regular physical exercise are proven to help mental development in children, so it’s not surprising that kids who swim regularly often are strong performers in school.

Stress reduction

Unfortunately, stress is an increasingly common element in many kids’ lives. It can cause mental blocks that manifest as problems at school too. Learning to swim provides an outlet to relieve stress, allowing kids to achieve their potential in the water and out of it.

Social skills

Whether in group or private lessons, interacting with a SafeSplash coach helps kids build social skills. And, completing lessons with their peers can be extremely helpful as kids encounter new classrooms each fall and build new relationships.

Life lessons

Daily life presents plenty of problems, and the skills learned in swimming allow a child to cope with them. In swimming, children must learn how to stay calm and deal with emergencies for their own safety. That process builds problem-solving ability, which also translates in the classroom.

Fall options

SafeSplash just released its fall class schedule, offering lots of options for busy families, with after-school and evening lessons six days a week.

“We also offer one free makeup lesson each month in case you have something come up last minute,” Sobocinski said. “And our convenient online access for lesson scheduling lets you easily manage your time.”

Lessons are offered with pay-as-you-go pricing, so you’ll be able to work through them on a month-to-month basis.

To get started today, click here or stop in any SafeSplash location.