There are many educational institutions around the world that include not only physical activity but also swimming in their curriculum. Next, we propose to analyze what professionals and experts say about the benefits of teaching swimming in schools.
France, the United Kingdom, and Belgium are some European countries that have an important organization for teaching this sport in schools. In Oceania, Australia established it as a compulsory sport in all states and something similar also occurs in certain countries of America.
The truth is that more and more professionals endorse the benefits of this sport, on which we have delved in other articles. Today we will see the arguments of those who argue that swimming should be part of the school curriculum with lifeguard class.
Why is it good to give swimming in schools?
Various publications carried out by experts give an account of the objectives of teaching swimming in schools that were proposed in different countries of the world. These are some of those listed:
- Promote healthy physical and mental development.
- Stimulate a good body composition.
- Achieve autonomy within the aquatic environment.
- Create an atmosphere of fun and cooperation among students.
- Promote the practice of physical activity in free time.
- Promote gender parity, since it is not a sport framed in any gender prototype.
For the authors of the cited article, swimming is a discipline with enormous potential for the development of children’s movements and comprehensive skills.
Other benefits of swimming for children
On the other hand, other academic publications note that the students in whom the consequences of swimming practice were evaluated in schools also demonstrated greater autonomy for other tasks, such as dressing or preparing their backpacks.
In addition, it is also affirmed that these children learned and adopted healthy habits and incorporated new norms, they knew their value and the importance of complying with them with lifeguard class. Finally, their relationship with the environment was also favored thanks to the gestures of collaboration and solidarity common in school physical activities.
The process of teaching swimming in schools
Of course, it is clear that this teaching process must be left not only in the hands. Of a physical education teacher but also that they must have the necessary knowledge to transmit this specific skill.
The conditioning and acceptance of the aquatic environment is, as FINA itself indicates in its Swimming For All manual, the basis of the entire process. At this time, the playful component, together with the safety transmitted to the child and the safety elements, are essential.
Later, it is time for postural learning. This implies changing the classic standing of the terrestrial environment for the horizontality that is acquired when lying down in the water.
Later comes the learning of floatation, a central aspect to mastering the skill of swimming. There are practical, safe, and group exercises to learn about ventral and dorsal flotation little by little.
Finally, it is time to learn a specific technique. Generally, you start with the front crawl, which is the most natural and easy style to acquire. In this instance, isolated movements can be carried out, and then progressively advance towards the coordination of all of them. To which the breathing technique is also added.
Conclusion on teaching swimming in schools
Of course, this is not a proposal that has no detractors. Despite the fact that statistics indicate that a large part of child drownings occur in the home itself. It seems logical that parents fear for the safety of their children.
Beyond the fact that they are under the supervision of professionals who are dedicated to it. The possibility of an accident is always latent and is the main concern of those. Who are not convinced that this activity is appropriate for the school environment.
In addition, another undeniable aspect is that, unlike a swimming academy or a club. At school parents cannot choose who is in charge of their children with lifeguard class. This, many people say, is an important issue when it comes to such a great responsibility.
Therefore, communication between directors, teachers, and parents must be direct and fluid. In this way, both parties can evacuate their doubts and work together for the well-being and development of children. Swimming well used is an invaluable resource for many, even though it carries its risks.
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