Maybe you took professional swimming lessons as a child and are a confident swimmer today. Or maybe a loved one taught you how to float on your back and swim from one end of the pool to the other, so you feel semi-confident now. Or maybe you never learned to swim, so you avoid the deep end or prefer to read your book on the patio.

On a hot summer day, there’s nothing like jumping into the pool. Going for a swim is a great way to cool down or get some movement in your day. Despite pools, lakes, and beaches being a key part of summer fun, many people don’t know how to swim — or don’t swim as well as they think they do. 

In fact, 85 percent of Americans say that they are able to swim, but only 56 percent of those people meet the Red Cross’s standards for water competency. 

You may be one of the 85 percent of people who say that they know how to swim. But after seeing what water competency means, you may realize that you might not have the swimming skills you thought you did.

It’s Not Too Late to Learn How to Swim

Learning how to swim is an important life skill. If you are an adult and aren’t comfortable with your swimming abilities, you’re not alone. Whatever level of swimming instruction you’ve had, it’s never too late to brush up on your skills or to learn as a beginner. 

“Learning to swim doesn’t mean you’ll be blowing bubbles in the pool with a bunch of children — there are many classes designed for first-time adult learners,” said Joseph Torello, Physical Therapist aquatics specialist with The Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at Chester County Hospital. “In these kinds of classes, you can start with basic water safety, learn more intermediate strokes, and even work your way up to swimming for fitness.” 

Finding somewhere where you can learn how to swim isn’t as hard as you might think, and the internet can be your best friend. Look for adult swim lessons in your area. Many pools offer classes taught by lifeguards trained by the Red Cross, or you can check out your local YMCA for adult swim classes.

Benefits of Learning to Swim

If you’ve never had a water accident, you may not be overly worried about experiencing one in the future. But unfortunately, accidents do happen, and a great day at the pool could turn into a young child who can’t swim falling into it. If something happens, you want to be able to help.

There are many benefits of learning to swim, one of which is safety, but that’s not the only reason. 

• Improve your confidence — and your own safety.
  
  The first reason to learn to swim is for your own personal safety. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a pool party or even boating trips, knowing how to swim can help you feel confident about your own abilities. Anyone can slip or fall into the water or get caught in a strong current. The ability to swim can be a lifesaver.
  
  You may be nervous about getting into the water if you’ve had a water accident before. Negative experiences can create a mental block that may stop you from even wanting to try. To work through your fear, look for an adult class designed to help you overcome fear in the water.
  
• Increase your children’s water safety.
  
  Learning to swim isn’t just about your own safety. Another key reason to learn how to swim is to be a lifeguard for children and spring into action if there is an emergency.
  
  Drowning is the leading cause of accidental injury-related death among children between the ages of 1 and 4 years old — and the third leading cause for children between the age of 5 and 19 years old. Learning to swim can allow you to play a vital role in rescuing your child if they need it, and it also increases the likelihood that your child will be able to swim. Studies show that if a parent doesn’t know how to swim, there is only a 13% chance that their child will know how to swim.
  
  “When you know how to swim — and are excited about it — you can help your children learn and enjoy swimming,” added Torello. “By being an active participant in your child’s swimming lessons, you can provide guidance, support, and encouragement. You can create a positive learning environment while instilling a lifelong love for swimming in your children.”
  
• Swim for fun — or for fitness.
  
  Another added benefit of being a strong swimmer is being able to swim as a part of your exercise routine. Swimming is a low-impact exercise, meaning you may experience less muscle or joint pain (and making it a great option for people with arthritis or limited mobility).
  
  Swimming uses your whole body and can improve your heart, lung and muscle health and strength. Beyond the physical benefits of swimming, it can also have a positive impact on your mental health and improve your mood. Whether you just want to casually swim a few laps around the pool or join a recreational swim team, learning to swim can be a great way to stay in shape — and maybe even meet new friends!

Swim Safety Isn’t Just About Swimming

Swim safety isn’t just about being a strong swimmer. Keeping yourself and your children safe at the pool or beach also means having general water safety and sun safety knowledge.

If you want to improve your water safety skills, don’t stop after taking a swimming lesson. Consider also enrolling in local classes for lifeguards or CPR. 

With water and swim safety as your top priority this summer, you can feel confident knowing you have the tools to respond to an accident and even save a life. 

Learn more at Chester County Hospital.