Learning to swim isn’t just for children.

No!

There are so many great reasons why adults should learn too. Here are 9 of them:

1️⃣ Learn a life skill: Swimming is a life skill that can save your life. Knowing how to swim and be safe in and around water could save your life or someone else’s.

2️⃣ Exercise: Not everyone enjoys working out at the gym so the swimming pool can be a great place to keep fit and healthy. As swimming is a low-impact sport ⁠it can be an excellent form of exercise, especially for those with or recovering from injuries.

3️⃣ Overcome a fear: Many adults who can’t swim have had a bad experience when they were younger. As a result, they avoid going to the pool and trying to learn again. It doesn’t have to be this way. Taking swimming lessons as an adult can be a positive experience with the right coach and guidance.

4️⃣ Challenge yourself: Learning a new skill like swimming can be a good way to challenge yourself if you want to learn something new and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Many adults take on the challenge of doing a triathlon and learn to swim in preparation for this.

5️⃣ Spend quality time with your child/grandchild: Knowing how to swim and being confident in the water with your child is a great way to spend time together. It also builds confidence in your child if you can swim confidently.

6️⃣ Be a role model to your child: Learning to swim as an adult can set a good example to your child. If they see you taking the time and effort to learn to swim, they could be inspired and encouraged to do the same. It also shows your child how important it is to learn to swim.  

7️⃣ Increase job opportunities: Some jobs like cabin crew require basic swimming skills so knowing how to swim can be an advantage when applying for these types of jobs.

8️⃣ Manage stress: Swimming is great for your mental health and relieving stress. Exercising releases chemicals called endorphins (happy hormones) which trigger a positive feeling in the body. As swimming is a solo sport it also provides valuable “me time”. ⁠⁠

9️⃣ Enjoy holidays and water sports: Holidays can be a completely different experience if you know how to swim and enjoy the swimming pool and sea with your family. Water sports can also be enjoyed with more confidence if you can swim.

Can you swim and if not, what’s holding you back from learning?