Recent studies show that roughly 1 in 3 adults in the UK cannot swim. This equates to around 14.2 million adults unable to swim one length of a 25-metre pool.
Swimming remains one of the most popular pastimes for physical education in the UK, however, fewer people are swimming now than in the past.
In a bid to combat the decreasing number of adults learning to swim we’ve pulled together the top five reasons why learning to swim in adulthood is a must.
1. Physical health and fitness
Swimming provides a cardiovascular, full-body workout whilst being gentle on the joints. It offers a fun and effective way to build strength, improve flexibility, and maintain overall good physical health.
2. Social engagement
Swimming is a great way to connect with others. Taking swimming lessons, joining pool-based exercise classes or clubs provides an opportunity to meet new people who share similar interests and goals. Social interactions can be a great motivator for adults to stay committed to their swimming goals and, for those of you with young families, it enables you to enjoy the pool safely, passing on key life skills, help educate to your (grand)children in the benefits of swimming on their wellbeing and creating memories.
3. Travel and leisure
Whether you’re preference is a beach holiday, a cruise, or a lakeside getaway, being able to swim will enhance your travel experiences, enabling you to fully enjoy water-based activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, and paddle boarding, knowing that you have the skills you need to keep yourself and your loved ones safe in the water.
“”“Swimming is simply moving meditation” – Cesar Nikko Caharian
4. Mental health benefits
The rhythmic motion of swimming has been proven to have a calming effect on the mind, making it an effective stress reliever and help improve mental health. Swimming is also known for reducing anxiety and depression by providing a soothing and meditative experience. The physical and emotional benefits of swimming make it an effective wellness practice recommended by many holistic practitioners and medical professionals.
5. Water safety and drowning prevention
On average, around 400 people drown in the UK each year, and it doesn’t discriminate by age. The scariest thing about drowning is how quickly it can happen. It can take less than 2 minutes after a person is submerged underwater for them to completely drown. It’s a silent killer that can strike anyone who finds themselves in or near the water. For adults, whether they enjoy water-based activities or not, knowing how to swim is an essential skill for water safety. Almost half of people who drown never even meant to enter the water, so, learning to swim not only empowers adults to stay afloat but also equips them with the ability to assist others in water emergencies.
In summary, learning to swim as an adult is a life-enriching decision that offers numerous benefits. It’s a skill that enhances safety, provides opportunities for recreation and fitness, fosters social connections, and promotes personal growth. So, if you’ve ever considered taking up swimming, don’t let your age be an obstacle; it’s never too late to learn.
Swimtime offers private, 1:2:1 swimming lessons for adults providing a bespoke learning experience that can be tailored to suit your individual needs. Find out what lessons are available near you on our online lesson finder.
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