Water has a unique way of bringing both joy and relief, especially on a hot summer day. You’re sunscreened up, head to the pool, and finally jump into the cool, refreshing water. Instant relief from the summer heat sets in. You swim laps, play around, lounge a bit, rinse and repeat. You’re grateful you learned how to swim and feel comfortable and water safe.
But what if you’re not?
What if you never had the opportunity to learn how to swim or didn’t grow up around water? What if you had a traumatic experience as a child and now feel anxious at even the thought of putting your face in the water? Or perhaps you’re recovering from an injury or surgery and your physical therapist recommends aqua therapy for rehabilitation. Water can benefit us in many different ways. Let’s dive in and explore.
Water Deserves Respect
Water holds tremendous power, even over advanced swimmers. It can be both our friend and something we must always respect. Learning to be water safe is essential at any age. Does that mean you need to become an Olympic swimmer? Absolutely not. However, being capable enough to save yourself, or potentially help someone else, is incredibly important.
Safety Is Essential
Drownings can happen quickly and silently. In fact, a baby can drown in as little as one to two inches of water. If they topple over they don’t know how to or lack the strength to lift their head/mouth above the water line. It is crucial to never leave a child unattended near water. Whether it’s a lake, pool, ocean, river, or even a bathtub, always take precautions. Another valuable step toward safety is taking a first aid and CPR class so you may one day be prepared to help save a life.
It’s Never Too Late to Learn
As someone who didn’t properly learn swimming technique, breathing, and form until my late twenties, I understand how intimidating the water can feel. Now at 42, I swim regularly because I’ve experienced firsthand the incredible benefits water can provide. I encourage people of every age to consider learning how to swim or exploring aquatic exercise for other health benefits.
(Photo by Margaret Lerer)
Swimming Can Be Empowering
Overcoming fear and anxiety around water can be challenging. But once you begin to build confidence, you may discover just how therapeutic and empowering being in the water can feel. Water can be meditative, calming, and restorative. It’s also fantastic for injury recovery and post-surgery rehabilitation because it is low impact and gentle on the joints.
A Balanced Fitness Routine Matters
Strength training remains extremely important for maintaining bone density, muscle mass, balance, and cognitive health as we age. And combining strength training with cardiovascular exercise and aquatic activity can be incredibly beneficial for both the body and mind. Swimming is one of the few forms of exercise many people can continue throughout their entire lives with relatively low risk of injury.
If you can develop a balanced routine that includes strength, cardio, and aquatic activity, especially beginning at a young age, you’ll be investing in your long-term physical and mental well-being.
Happy swimming!
Parkpoint Health Club in Healdsburg offers swim lessons for all ages and levels for both members and non-members. Contact us to learn, grow, and gain confidence in the water: 707-385-2500.
Parkpoint Health Club
195 Foss Creek Circle
parkpointhealthclub.com/healdsburg/
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