Competitive Swimming Benefits

Swimming is the second most popular exercise activity in the United States. Over 2.5 million young people participate in competitive swimming, with most being introduced to the sport through summer swim leagues. 266,000 athletes participate in USA Swimming, which is the national governing body for competitive swimming.

Competitive swimming is an ideal activity for young people as it meets the goals for children’s organized sports cited by many experts:

• Learning motor skills.

• Increasing physical activity levels.

• Learning social skills.

• Learning good sportsmanship

• Having fun.

Swimming is considered the ideal physical activity because:

• Swimming is a low impact activity and reduces stress on the joints – it is the most injury-free sport for children.

• Swimming develops coordination by requiring complex muscle movement involving all parts of the body.

• Swimming builds cardiac and respiratory fitness and develops aerobic endurance.

• Swimming promotes muscle development and burns calories, a particular concern with increasing rates of childhood obesity.

• Swimming can be continued for a lifetime.

• Swimming is a sport that children with disabilities can participate in.

In addition to the extensive physical benefits, competitive swimming also benefits young people by:

• Providing a supportive, wholesome social outlet.

• Learning sportsmanship, including dealing with winning and losing.

• Developing team camaraderie and close friendships, many for life.

• Learning goal setting, self-discipline and self-confidence.

• Time-management: competitive swimmers are among the best students.

Aside from the physical, social and developmental benefits, competitive swimming is a FUN and EXCITING sport for young people.