The wonders of water

Water is one of the most essential and integral part of our lives. The earth is almost 70% water and almost 30% land. Our human body is composed of almost 70% water. Water is one of the five essential elements required for any organism to survive.

Our very first interaction is with a warm liquid medium even before birth. The fetus in the womb is surrounded by a liquid called amniotic fluid. It comforts, protects and acts as a shock absorber while in the womb. It plays a very important role for the growth of the fetus. This may be the reason that we as human being may find the water medium very familiar and natural.  Swimming becomes a very good option to be undertaken with this natural affinity towards water.

Swimming is a form of exercise that is advised for all age groups. There are lots of benefits that have been studied even in the infant age group.

It is even safe for pregnant women to continue swimming as an exercise. Today water births are getting extremely popular as it aides in painless and easy delivery for the mother and the child.

As a psychologist, let me talk on the benefits of swimming as an exercise for development of a child.

Benefits of swimming – Physical development of a child:

• They enjoy the feeling of "freedom" that the water provides and are therefore able exercise more muscles in water than on land with the constraints of gravity.
• It will enhance the baby's physical development and quite often they will tend to walk earlier than usual.
  
• It will enhance the child's balance and co-ordination, as well as their alertness and concentration.
• As swimming progresses it will improve strength, endurance and lung capacity.
• Swimming provides the essential muscle exercise and development required for the development of the child.
• They have an advanced motor development.
• Regular swimming can improve eating and sleeping patterns

Benefits of swimming – Psycho-social development of a child:

• Early swimming fosters a growing sense of self-esteem, confidence and independence.
• For a tiny infant, dependent on others for every aspect of its life - this is an exhilarating and empowering experience and one that will increase the child’s confidence.
• Learning to respond to commands can make your baby sharper mentally and increase levels of understanding
• It helps in the social development of the child. It increases the social interaction with other students, parents and trainers.
• It can be relaxing and de-stressing activity filled with fun and enjoyment.
• It can help to strengthen the parent- child bond with the teaching lessons.
• For adults it is a passive form of exercise which helps them to de-stress and relax    with the buoyancy effect of water.
• Water may have a calming and soothing effect on the stressed nerves.
• It can be a time to create a rapport or bond with their child and also enjoy the confidence and achievement of their child.

Why learn swimming at an early age?

Babies have a real affinity with water, having spent their months in the womb suspended in fluid.  As time progresses this confidence decreases.  Between 10 and 15-months, babies can develop a fear of water if not already regularly exposed to it.

Babies also have two reflexes which can enable them to hold their breath. Firstly the ‘gag reflex’ kicks in when water enters the mouth.  The glottis and epiglottis shut off, preventing water then entering the trachea and lungs. The second reflex is the ‘mammalian dive reflex’ which occurs when a baby's face is submerged. This causes the blood to re-distribute oxygen from the non-vital organs to the brain and heart.

This is at its strongest when they are under three months old but can be learnt at any time.  

Do’s and Don’ts:

• Start swimming at an early age to prevent development of fear.
• Children's needs and concerns must be respected and an environment of joy and acceptance will be conducive for any learning.
• Avoid enforcing activity in case the child has fear of submission. Pushing a child too fast, too soon, too hard or too long can be detrimental to the child.
• If your child is pushed or hurried, he may develop a fear of water. If your child screams or is afraid during any type of water program, you may discontinue it temporarily.
• Not only can the use of force nullify the following positive benefits, but it can also result in adverse effect of low self worth and esteem.
• Talk to them, acknowledge their feelings, ensure support and safety and encourage them to take up as a fun activity and slowly forward towards learning to swim.
• Avoid making fun of them or calling names like sissy or coward for their healthy self image.
• Avoid any faulty communication in terms to their training. Give them a road map, appreciate their small achievements so that they enjoy the activity and further learning is ensured.  
• Infant swimming should preferably be in a temperature regulated pool attended by parents and trainer and with adequate knowledge of safety precautions.
• Lastly and most important follow your trainer’s instruction in case you take this up as competitive sport