Can we go to the pool?!
It’s a question many parents hear on repeat once their kids are introduced to and more comfortable in water — usually in the summer months. Swimming is a go-to form of recreation for families this time of year, exposing kids to the freedom and confidence that comes with gliding, splashing, and floating in the water. But there’s no reason for this activity to be limited to summer break.
Whether your child has become a little fish or is still cautiously curious, transitioning swimming into a year-round activity is a great way for them to have fun and stay active, while also learning water-safety skills.
Considering a year-round aquatics program for your swimmer? Jen Rezac, director of kids and aquatics education at Life Time, shares why this is so good for them, as well as the options that are available through Life Time’s swim programming.
5 Benefits of Year-Round Swimming
1. Consistent skill development: Having the correct swimming form and skills is critical to ensuring your child is well prepared to be in the water. “It takes time and progression through multiple levels to become a strong, confident swimmer,” Rezac says. “Year-round lessons help children continue to build and maintain their skills, so they not only progress but also don’t regress between seasons.”
2. Physical wellness: Swimming is a great way for children to engage in regular physical movement. “Swimming helps build endurance, coordination, and overall fitness,” says Rezac. “If you’re encouraging a child’s enjoyment of the water, you’re encouraging them to stay active — and that can go a long way toward building healthy habits that stick with them for life.”
Swimming is also a low-impact activity, making it a safe and effective way for many people to stay active. (Learn more: “Every Body Into the Pool: 8 Strength and Stamina Water Workouts to Try.”)
3. Safety: Ensuring your child is capable of exploring the water freely is especially important. “The ability to swim is a lifesaving skill — and ongoing practice increases safety in and around any body of water,” Rezac says. “Studies show that formal swim lessons are associated with an 88 percent reduction in risk of drowning for young children.”
4. Improved mental health: Not only does swimming offer physical benefits, but it also can have a positive effect on a child’s mental wellness. “Helping a child feel confident, safe, and joyful in the water creates a positive association that studies show can benefit their overall well-being by increasing the amount of mood-boosting hormones generated by the brain,” Rezac explains. “These hormones generated by aquatic activities can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.”
5. Accessibility: “Swimming is an incredibly inclusive activity, accessible for children of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds,” shares Rezac. “At Life Time, the continuous nature of our programming and the fact that our locations can be a one-stop destination for so many activities for the whole family also helps maximize convenience.”
Year-Round Swim Options at Life Time
There are a range of swim programming options for kids at Life Time depending on their prior experience and whether you’re looking for leisure, developmental, or competitive activities.
Rezac recommends scheduling a swim assessment to determine the program that’s the best fit your child and family. This can ensure that your child is placed at a level that sets them up for swimming success. You can choose to do either a virtual assessment, which is a series of questions crafted to help determine your child’s level, or register in the Life Time app for a 15-minute, in-person assessment at your local club.
Family Swim
This designated pool time is for children under the age of 12 who are accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or sponsoring member. Families can enjoy the pool together while playing games, practicing swimming skills, or using any of the amenities their Life Time pool has to offer such as splash pads and slides.
The adult must be in the same pool as the children at all times (and within 10 feet of those who cannot swim 25 meters continuously). Lifeguards are on duty in most locations, but this may vary by club. Check your club schedule for available family swim times.
Swim Lessons
Life Time’s learn-to-swim program is designed for anyone looking to build their swimming skills. Options include a range of levels, with classes available for children as young as 3 months old all the way through adulthood.
Lessons are held weekly for 30 minutes and programs are available continuously throughout the year; you can start and stop at any time with a 30-day cancellation notice. Private lessons are also offered as a one-time or continuous option for both children and adults, with availability and times varying by club. You can register for swim lesson programs in the Life Time app. (Learn more: “Everything You Need to Know About Life Time Swim Lessons.”)
Swim Clinics
These one-time, three-hour events are for children ages 5 to 12, where they can learn swim and water-safety skills as well as enjoy fun water games. The frequency of swim clinics varies by location; sign up for swim clinics in the Life Time app.
Stroke Clinics
These one-time events typically last two to three hours and are for those who have already learned how to swim (they’re designed for children ages 5 and older). Participants focus on improving specific swimming skills or strokes. Check your club schedule for exact dates and sign up in the Life Time app.
Swim Team
Life Time’s swim teams are for children ages 5 and older who are interested in swimming as a sport. This continuous program is for those who are ready to be part of a team and take their swimming skills to the next level; it includes specialized training and regular competitions.
While the exact practice frequency varies by age group, there is a minimum of two sessions per week. The program offers a tryout if you’re unsure which group is the optimal placement for your child. Sign up for a tryout or register for a specific team level in the Life Time app. (Learn more: “What You Need to Know About Life Time’s Swim Team.”)
