Winter is an excellent time to get a ‘head start’ in swimming and swimming in winter promotes health and well being...

Many parents whose children continued swimming with us through last winter, have told us that it was the first time they had not been affected by winter illness. Each winter as the temperature drops, we notice that some parents withdraw their children from classes as a ‘precautionary measure’, or because their child has already had a cold or two. Later in the year, they return to find that not only did their child still catch all the colds that went around, but they also missed out on the many benefits of swimming. A break in lessons that stretches over many months will often result in a regression of skills. Even when parents cannot see substantial progress every week, the child is still developing muscle memory and physical fitness. At Billabong Swim School we have always been pleased with the results of the children who swam throughout the winter months.

Weather and the Immune System

To what degree is our state of health affected by cold weather? “Don’t go out in the cold, you’ll get sick” is an old wives’ tale with just a touch of truth in it. Residual surface water needs warmth in order to evaporate. Unless this warmth is supplied by an outside agent such as a blow-dryer or warm air, it will use body warmth for evaporation.

A continual reduction in body temperature challenges your immune system. If our immune system is already over-stressed, then the extra challenge of wet hair or standing with a wet body in a draught, may turn out to be the ‘straw that breaks the camel’s back’. A breakdown in resistance can occur, which may allow cold and flu viruses to take hold. Health is not based on the amount of stress encountered, but on the strength of the immune system. It is possible to have fifty children all exposed to the same environment and the same viruses, yet very few come down with the illness.

Why Swim in Winter?

Swimming year round promotes higher fitness levels, making us more resilient to stress and illness. This combined with good nutrition and a minimum of junk food, will keep you on the right road to staying fit and healthy this winter.

The Warmth Factor

We keep our pool and change rooms at a comfortable temperature for the children. Please ensure that your children wrap up warmly after their lesson and don’t let them stand around wet in any draught. It’s also a good idea to wear a hat and shoes to and from the pool.

WINTER SPECIAL

MAY 1ST TO SEPTEMBER 30TH

50% off 2nd (second) or more lessons per week..

We have found that children who swim more often progress at a faster rate and master and retain skills more easily.

Book in now - spaces are limited!!