Most people understand that swimming is an essential life skill that saves lives. However, there are additional benefits to learning to swim, especially at an early age. In addition to perseverance, grit, determination and concentration, it's also a way for some children to have fun, conquer fears and develop a growth and can-do mindset safely.

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Water Safety
​While many parents and guardians try to be with their children as much as possible to protect them, there are times when a child needs to be self-reliant and comfortable acting fast around water. Teaching children to swim early ensures that when they visit aquatics facilities, home pools, and beaches, they have mastered the basics of swimming and the importance of being water-safe. Children who understand these fundamentals view swimming and water-related activities as fun.

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Coordination
​Freestyle or backstroke swimming requires a lot of hand-eye coordination. Did you know there are eight strokes in swimming and four in competitive swimming? Mastering control over one's body to move effectively through water is an essential skill that can enhance balance and support a child's ability to succeed and excel in other sports later in life.

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Social Skills
​While swimming is often a solitary activity for many, it's essential to recognize that the skills children develop in the pool can have a lasting impact on their social development. Swimming provides a perfect environment for young children to develop critical social skills, including sportsmanship, empathy, cooperation, and effective communication. These lessons extend beyond the pool, positively influencing how well they interact with peers and how they listen and follow instructions.

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Gross Motor Skill Development
​Learning to swim at an early age offers numerous benefits, including increased endurance and stamina. Additionally, swimming helps improve balance, upper body and core strength, as well as body and spatial awareness. The skills acquired in the pool can also translate well to other sports, hobbies and physical activities.

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Confidence
​Early swim lessons allow children to build trust and achieve personal goals in a supportive, safe, structured environment. As they encounter future challenges, the life lessons learned in the pool — such as perseverance, adaptability and problem-solving — equip them with confidence and determination, ultimately enhancing their self-esteem.

About the Learn to Swim Program at Baldwin

The Learn to Swim Program is part of Baldwin’s Lower School Physical Education curriculum. Students participate in weekly lessons during the school year and periodic exhibitions where they display their skills to family and friends. Parents are updated on their child’s progress through a report sent home three times a year. Baldwin is also home to a collegiate swimming pool, where enrolled students and those from area schools take swim lessons and compete.

​If you're interested in learning more about Baldwin or the Learn to Swim Program, schedule a Tour.​