Navigating the Cold Waters Safely

Maintaining swimmers’ health during the winter months presents a constant challenge. As colder weather approaches, parents often express concern that swimming in pools might lead to illness. However, the reassuring truth is that swimming in chilly conditions does not cause colds or the flu. In fact, children who participate in swim lessons tend to enjoy better overall health compared to those who don’t engage in regular exercise.

Can wet hair from the swimming pool make you catch cold?
It’s a prevalent misconception that stepping out with damp hair can lead to sickness. The truth is that pathogens and viruses are the culprits behind diseases, not chilly weather or moist hair. As per the Mayo Clinic, you can’t contract a cold from venturing outside with damp hair. Moreover, damp hair doesn’t make you more susceptible to pathogens. Adopting appropriate health measures including comprehensive hand sanitizing and shielding your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough will aid in maintaining the wellness of everyone in your household. If you participate in swimming classes at a swimming academy, ensure they follow proper sanitization procedures for shared surfaces. Collectively, these are the most potent methods to ward off the common cold and flu.

Should my child attend swimming lessons in the winter?
It’s always a beneficial decision to plunge into a swimming pool. Contrary to popular belief, swimming in cold weather doesn’t cause sickness, but instead has numerous positive impacts! Consistent exercise enhances your overall well-being and can fortify your immune system! Swimming is a comprehensive exercise that activates all your muscles, augments lung capacity, and fortifies your heart. Swimming alleviates stress and stimulates endorphins. Swimming throughout the year ensures that children retain skills learned between summers. Imagine if we taught our kids to cycle, but only allowed them to practice for 3-4 months? Would we anticipate them to remember how the next summer? Provide your child an opportunity to vent stress in a wholesome and secure setting like swimming lessons.

How can I keep my kid comfortable during winter swim lessons?
While swimming in the colder months won’t cause your child to fall ill, being wet in chilly weather can be uncomfortable! Here are some suggestions to make swimming in winter more manageable and pleasant for your swimmer. Consider indoor swimming facilities. Most indoor pools maintain their water temperature at a warm 32-33°C! Inquire at your local pool about their water and deck temperatures. Ensure thorough drying to make dressing up and preparing to face the winter winds easier. Therefore, bring along a soft, lightweight microfiber towel. They have excellent absorbency and dry swiftly. If your child has thick or curly hair, consider packing a portable hairdryer or a warm cap to keep their head insulated when you step outside. Bundle up! Carry a thick hooded robe to wrap your swimmer in after their lessons or practice. Robes are designed to dry rapidly, so your winter coat doesn’t get damp when you’re getting dressed in your outdoor attire! Opt for loose, warm clothing. Wrestling thick winter tights onto a wet swimmer is never a pleasant task! Loose track pants and comfortable jumpers are much simpler to handle! Don’t forget to apply lotion! The cold winter air can significantly dry out your little one’s delicate skin.

Make the most of the wonderful winter swimming season!
Indeed, enrolling in swim lessons during the colder months has its unique advantages. It’s often easier to secure a sought-after instructor or time slot. As many families typically sign up for summer swimming lessons, classes tend to be quieter and pools less crowded during the rest of the year.This less congested period is an excellent opportunity to increase lesson frequency. If there’s an after-school slot that’s always booked, you might have a better chance of securing it now and stay ahead when the weather warms up. Additionally, many swim schools offer discounted rates or special deals during the cold weather. It’s a win-win situation!

Keep your swimmer in the water year-round for the best health benefits
As parents, we want to keep our children as healthy as possible, especially during cold and flu season. Be assured that swimming during chilly temps won’t cause illness. Give your children the best opportunity for a long and healthy life by enrolling them in year-long swim lessons

Sources
https://www.under5s.co.nz/shop/Hot+Topics+Articles/Activities/Kids+Seasonal+Activities/Winter/Benefits+of+swimming+in+winter+for+young+kids.html https://www.aquanat.com.au/post/10-reasons-why-your-child-should-continue-swimming-lessons-during-winter https://www.frogglezgoggles.com/en-ca/blogs/news/winter-time-swimming-tips