It Is Possible to Protect Children from Obesity Through Swimming

Neşe Kısal, Swimming Instructor at Sports International Çankaya Vadi Branch, emphasized the importance of swimming for children. Kısal noted that swimming can help keep children away from obesity, which is commonly seen in young people, and stressed the importance of proper and appropriate training programs. The increasing amount of time spent in front of computers and tablets, combined with the widespread consumption of fast food among children, is pushing young people closer to obesity. Children engaged in any sport discipline are observed to be healthier both physically and mentally. Explaining that children can be introduced to swimming from the ninth month onwards, Neşe Kısal stated "Swimming instruction for children can begin from the 9th month when the correct program is applied. By teaching correct movements and proper breathing techniques at a level where the child can save itself in water—what we call water competency—the process of the child's acquaintance with water can be accelerated. Technical progress is a process that advances in direct proportion to the age at which the child starts swimming and when they begin. As long as the correct program is prepared, swimming development can be achieved in children from a very young age," she said.

Swimming Supports Immune System Development

Explaining that swimming directly affects the circulatory system and blood circulation in everyone from age 7 to 77 and keeps children away from obesity, Kısal stated "Through swimming, children can be prevented from facing cardiovascular health problems in later years. Sports, regardless of which discipline, is entirely discipline-oriented. It provides serious contribution to the child's physical and mental development, the establishment of discipline in their character, and their personal growth. Swimming is the only sport discipline that children can start at the youngest age. From the 9th month onwards, you may not be able to provide training in any other discipline, but swimming actually begins in the womb, so this process will be faster. Children should be directed more towards this discipline," she said. Noting that it is incorrect to only practice swimming during summer months, Kısal stated "However, a child swimming during the winter season contributes greatly to immune system development. The rate of illness decreases," she said.  

It Is Important to Receive Training from a Qualified Expert

Pointing out that parents can unintentionally create a fear of swimming in children, the instructor said "Parents can cause a child to distance themselves from the sport through even a single wrong movement. It would be more appropriate for children to receive their initial training from specialists in the field. Children who establish a correct relationship with their instructor will learn faster and more successfully," she said.