Strong swimmers are made in winter - keep your children swimming

Published on 01 April 2025

As we head into the cooler months, Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre is encouraging parents to keep their children active by continuing swimming lessons year round.

According to research from Royal Life Saving Australia, almost half of 12-year-olds cannot swim continuously for 50 metres or float for two minutes in deep water – a basic swimming and water safety benchmark*.

Regular swimming lessons are a great way for children to retain and build on skills learned earlier in the year. Establishing a year-round swimming routine promotes lifelong healthy habits.

In an interview with Splash Magazine, Justin Scarr, CEO of Royal Life Saving Australia, highlighted the importance of swimming during the colder months:

“Winter swimming lessons are an excellent way for children to stay active and healthy... Not only does it help maintain their swimming skills, but it also provides a fantastic opportunity for socialising and building confidence in the water.

Swimming is not just great for physical fitness it also boosts your mood, reduces and anxiety and enhances coordination and motor skills. It’s an inclusive activity that children of all ages and abilities can enjoy, helping them achieve developmental milestones."

Tips for parents

Here are some practical tips for parents to ensure children remain warm and comfortable during swimming lessons: 

• Dress warmly before and after lessons including a beanie to cover wet hair and thick socks. 
• Avoid water play before lessons to keep children warm and focused. 
• Do a quick warm-up with some dynamic stretching to increase blood flow and reduce the risk of injury.
  
• Use snug-fitting rash vests and swim caps for extra warmth without restricting movement. 
• Take a hot shower immediately after lessons to warm up quickly. 

Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre is the Western suburbs' premier indoor pool with a temperature-controlled climate so that even when it’s freezing or wet outside, you’re snug and warm when swimming in our heated indoor pools.