Many people think of swimming as a fun thing to do at a water park or during summer at the lake. However, it’s more than that. Swimming is not only an essential lifesaving skill to learn, but an incredibly healthy activity.

Most do not realize that, on average, nine people die every day by drowning in the U.S. Basic swim lessons at any age can teach a swimmer to be comfortable in the water, learn simple swim strokes and identify floating techniques. Most kids and adults that start with basic swim lessons continue to grow with the sport; it can be learned with or without competition and at one’s own pace. It is also a sport that can continuously be improved upon via stroke development or pace time.

The health benefits of swimming are many. Swimming strengthens the entire body from core to arms and legs. It improves the cardio-vascular system as it reduces blood pressure while strengthening your heart. It is also low-impact and typically good for women during pregnancy, injured athletes looking to maintain a workout, the elderly and anyone overweight.

Swim lessons are available year-round at the Greater Joliet Area YMCA. Head to the Y today and go for a swim or sign-up for swim lessons today!

Written by Elaine Kaempf, a swim instructor at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA.