In baby swimming we develop the ability to swim.
Baby swimming offers the baby the opportunity to maintain contact with the liquid element, to transform swimming reflexes into conscious reactions and to develop the swimming ability of the baby-toddler-child over time.
We develop physical, motor, psycho-emotional and social skills, always in a playful, safe and age-appropriate way. The process focuses on the experience and relationship with water, not on performance.
In particular, we develop:
- Motor skills:
Strengthening the muscular system
Balance, coordination, flexibility
Moving arms and legs naturally in the water - Sensory development:
Contact with water, temperature, floating
Perception of weight and balance in a wet environment
Development of a better perception of the body and space - Psycho-emotional development:
Sense of security, trust in parent and teacher
Building self-confidence and reduced anxiety around water - Social skills:
Interaction with other children of the same age and adults
Respect, cooperation
Learning rules of social behavior
Developing adaptability to new situations - Strengthening parental bond:
Through play and contact in the water, the parent-child relationship is strengthened
What do we gain?
HEALTH BENEFITS – MAIN GOAL
It is the only and most appropriate form of exercise that infants and toddlers can participate in, from which they gain irreplaceable health benefits
Strengthening the muscular system
Improving cardiovascular
Improving respiratory
Strengthening the immune system
Prevention and Treatment of Posture Problems
Treatment of Psychological Problems
SAFETY – MAIN GOAL
Children learn to swim at a very young age
SOCIALIZATION
ENTERTAINMENT
Children are entertained through the activity as it is based on child-centered education
MENTAL WELL-BEING – SAFETY
To sum up…
The ultimate goal of baby swimming is not to learn technique but:
To cultivate familiarity with water
To develop basic motor patterns that will support future learning of technique
To sevelop autonomy in the water (not complete independence, but a basic sense of control and safety)
To develop positive emotional connection with the liquid element
Information from the BABY SWIMMING manual “THE SMOOTH” PATH by Vasilatos Theodoros