Back to school: the importance of learning to swim
It’s that time of year again: everyone’s gone back to school. Some might be more excited about this than others, particularly if it’s time to join in with school swimming lessons. Learning to swim is an important part of primary school education in the UK. Despite this, figures show one in three children cannot swim by the time they leave for secondary school.
Campaigners unhappy with the statistics want Ofsted to name and shame schools that don’t teach pupils to swim because they don’t live up to education standards. The national curriculum says primary schools have a duty to teach children to swim confidently up to a distance of 25 meters, use a range of strokes effectively, and know how to rescue themselves if they’re stuck in the water. Despite the number of children who can’t swim reducing, there is still a high number who leave school without learning this vital skill.
Why swimming is important
Being able to swim means more than being able to join exciting clubs and compete in a sport which keeps you fit and healthy. It’s also a matter of safety.
Drowning is the third biggest killer of British children, claiming over 60 young lives each summer in the UK. The skill isn’t just necessary for children to learn, but also for adults as one person dies from drowning every 20 hours in the UK. Being able to swim can be the difference between life and death for many people, that’s why, as school gets back in session, it’s important your children can take advantage of school-led swimming lessons.
Are you ready for school to get back in session?
What do you need?
If your child is taking part in swimming lessons this autumn, it’s important they have the right gear. We want them to be comfortable and well-equipped to learn their new skills so they might need:
- A comfortable swimming costume - Pay particular attention to the shoulders and back of the costume, making sure it isn’t too tight so the child can rotate their arms easily. Another area to watch out for is the legs. Check they aren’t digging into the skin but are tight enough to ensure the costume isn’t baggy.
- Goggles - You can adjust children’s goggles to fit as they grow, so they should last well into the future. It might be a good idea to try dolphin anti-fog junior goggles so they don’t steam up. Foggy goggles can be distracting for young swimmers, breaking their concentration. They might spend more time trying to wipe their goggles than they do listening to the teacher’s instructions, and we don’t want the teacher getting annoyed.
- A swimming cap - For parents who don’t want to deal with matted hair after swimming sessions, a swimming cap will be you and your child’s best friend. It will stop hair getting in the way during the lesson and keep it clean and dry for when they get home.
Whether your child loves school or they’re already pining for the next holiday, swimming lessons are one fun activity they can look forward to. Being able to hit the pool in a crazy, colourful swimsuit, is also a surefire way to brighten any swimmer’s day.
At Maru, we have bright, bold swimwear designs and accessories, perfect for all ages. So no matter what age you’re learning to swim, you can do it in style and comfort. Our costumes come in a range of children’s styles to ensure there is a great fit for everyone this school year. Take a look on our website.