Early swimming lessons may lead to better literacy and numeracy skills for students

Children under five years of age, who have swimming lessons, may develop better language, literacy, and numeracy skills in school.

In a four-year study Griffith University in Australia surveyed almost 7,000 parents of children from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States of America, and independently assessed 177 children aged 3-5 years. The study found that children who had early swimming lessons performed better in school tests. They scored significantly better in numeracy, mathematical reasoning, oral expression, understanding, complying with directions, and visual motor skills (cutting paper, drawing lines, and colouring in). They achieved certain milestones earlier than normal populations of children below five years of age, the interim report, Early-years swimming: adding capital to young Australians, stated.

Both the parents’ survey and the child testing (to a lesser degree) supported the outcomes. There was a view that only wealthy families could afford swim lessons and therefore the study reflected social status. However, the researchers said the study showed a significant difference in school performance between early swimmers and the normal population regardless of socio-economic background.

Parents indicated that children under five years who had swimming lessons gained confidence in and out of the water, which may lead to greater transition to school. Swim instructors added that swim lessons included social and simple educational skills, such as waiting their turn, lining up in queues, respect for others, counting to three before entering the water, motor skills, obeying instructions, and social interaction.

Researchers also recommended that children who do not do well at school, particularly in the early years, may improve at school if they participate in swimming lessons as a means of remedial learning and child development.

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