Swimming lessons are an essential part of a child's education, and whether they learn to swim at school, or at private lessons, being able to swim increases confidence, and can become an enjoyable and healthy total fitness hobby.

For adults who have never learnt to swim, or for those who haven't been swimming for a long time, why not learn to swim today? Swimming lessons aren't just for children.

Here are 10 reasons to book swimming lessons, and learn to swim today

1) Swimming lessons, and ultimately being able to swim brings many benefits, such as feeling safe near water, and enjoying being by the swimming pool and feeling confident enough to try other water sports perhaps whilst on holiday. Imagine being able to water ski, or sail a boat, or go sea fishing. Even just being on the beach or investigating rock pools requires a certain level of water safety, especially where children are concerned.

2) Many swimming pools and swimming clubs offer swimming lessons to children as young as 3. Your child is likely to enjoy learning to swim, and will experience a great sense of achievement as they progress from the first moments away from the side of the pool, swimming without armbands, and gaining badges and certificates. Swimming lessons for children are usually around 30 minutes long each, and parents can often spectate.

3) If you didn't have swimming lessons as a child, you may think that you have missed out on being able to swim, but this needn't be the case as swimming lessons aren't just for children. Many clubs have at least one swimming pool, so that you can incorporate your swimming lessons into your fitness routine. If your children are having swimming lessons at school you might want to take them swimming outside of school. If you haven't swum for many years and you don't feel confident, you may want to consider organising your own swimming lessons, so that you and your children will benefit.

4) Swimming sessions are often available for parents and children, so that children can get used to the water and build up their confidence before embarking on swimming lessons. Water skills are invaluable, and can be learnt at a very early age. Having fun in the pool is the most important aspect of these sessions, and the emphasis is on playing with toys and games rather than actually learning to swim.

5) Swimming provides many health benefits and a good low impact cardio vascular workout. Swimming is often recommended for those people who are recovering from injury or an operation, as well as those who are unable to undertake other forms of exercise. Swimming can be used as part of a rehabilitation routine, or as a water workout total fitness programme by itself.

6) A water workout is an exercise regime that is carried out in the pool without a swimming instructor. Instead swimming lessons showing exercises and required equipment are on cards so that the swimmer can work through the exercises at their own pace.

7) If you are a confident swimmer, then maybe you are considering swimming lessons to improve your technique. Expert swimming instructors can iron out any posture or stroke issues, and help you swim better. These lessons are longer, and it will be expected that the swimmer is already able to swim.

8) When choosing swimming lessons, it is important that you and/or your child feel comfortable with the environment and the swimming instructors. If the pool is dirty and has cracked tiles, then maybe you will think that the standard of swimming lessons provided may not be too high. Some people prefer their swimming lessons to be taught by their own swimming teacher, rather than be in a group. Having the instructor's full attention can lead to quick progress, and any problem areas can be addressed straight away, but there are no others to swim with. If you feel that you or your child would learn best this way, why not see if your swimming pool offers one to one individual swimming lessons.

9) Swimming lessons should ideally lead to certification, such as the ASA awards, so that there is record of progress. Progression leads to confidence and shows how far they have progressed. Also, if you change club, the new instructors will be able to see the ability level and ensure that you are in the right group.

10) A swimming school should employ CRB checked, ASA qualified instructors who are skilled and experienced in providing swimming lessons for all different ages and abilities. Having the capability to communicate effectively is important when teaching both children and adults. The swimmer wants to progress, and the teacher wants their pupil to progress.

Swimming lessons can provide you and your child with new found confidence and skills which could save a life, and will last for life. As well as being a fantastic form of exercise, swimming is great fun and a rewarding hobby. Why not find out more about swimming lessons today, and see what you're missing out on?

About the Author

Total Fitness Swimming Lessons are available for all Total Fitness members, and follow the ASA National Teaching Plan. Sign up for lessons today.