Top 4 Reasons why Everyone Should Learn to Swim

Top 4 Reasons why Everyone Should Learn to Swim

Did you know that the Red Cross recently released a study showing that millions of Americans don’t know how to swim? A recent survey showed that just 80% of Americans say that they can swim–and even more disturbingly, only 56% of self described swimmers were able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic swimming skills that can be used in emergency situations. In an effort to improve those numbers, we’re counting down the top 4 reasons why everyone should learn how to swim.

4. Stay Fit
There’s no doubt about it–swimming is one of the best exercises for the human body. Not only does it work virtually all muscles, it is also impressively easy on joints, tendons, and other “trouble” areas that are prone to stress-related injuries. Which brings us to number 3…

3. Swimming Will Stay With You Your Whole Life
Unlike other sports such as running, biking, or skiing, swimming is a low-contact, low-risk physical activity that allows participants to stay active even in advanced age.

2. Swim Competitively
In recent years, many Americans have become more open to new competitive sports–and that includes sports such as water polo, swimming, and other water-based games. That allows those who love the competitive nature of sports such as football, baseball, and hockey to enjoy lower-contact, lower-risk sports without missing out on the thrills of victory and defeat.

1. Swimming Could Save Your Life
Last but certainly not least, swimming is a valuable activity because it can help save lives–and that includes your own! The Red Cross study cited above also found that an average of 10 people die of drowning in the United States alone each and every day. Learning how to swim can help lower that number by reducing your chances of drowning and giving you the necessary skills to save others who fall into perilous situations.

Beacon Watch
Beacon Watch encourages safe water practices–and we make the products to help implement them. Check out our website for more helpful information, and to see the Beacon Watch online store.