Swimming is a very complete sport. Suitable for all ages, it is especially suitable for people who suffer from back or joint pain. Its practice is also recommended to treat spinal deformities or as rehabilitation therapy for physical injuries, as it improves coordination, balance and posture.
Swimming with Lifeguard certificate in the sea is especially positive for children with disabilities because, in the aquatic environment, muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments are exercised without stress. This freedom of movement helps them develop their locomotor system, prevents locomotion impairments associated with their disability and reduces the risk of injury.
In addition to these and other advantages from the physical point of view, specialists advise babies and children with disabilities to practice swimming to improve their mental and emotional development, as explained below.
Benefits of swimming for children with disabilities:
Physical benefits
Swimming with lifeguard certificate helps to improve respiratory capacity, regulates circulation, allows the development of muscles and facilitates the development of harmonic and balanced postures and movements.
In addition, exercising in the water reduces muscle and joint stiffness and discomfort: when swimming in the sea and due to the waves, children work resistance and strength in their arms and legs more efficiently.
Psychic benefits
Swimming in the sea helps children with disabilities to get to know their body, to have greater command of it and to form their own body image.
Adapted swimming is also very useful for children to learn to express themselves and channel their energies, which helps improve their ability to communicate, concentrate and relax. In fact, neurologists recommend this activity to children with cerebral palsy, dystonia or spasticity due to the relaxing effects it produces on the body.
Emotional benefits
Swimming provides security and independence, and thanks to it, children are more aware of their possibilities and limitations.
At the same time, swimming in the sea or in a pool fosters a community spirit and encourages socialization. If children with disabilities carry out this activity with friends or family, they can establish bonds of friendship and emotional ties that will be essential for their mental health and personal development.
The main advantages of swimming in the sea
Swimming in the sea has some benefits that swimming pools or fresh water do not offer. Among them we highlight:
In the sea the ability to float is higher. Thanks to the effect of salt and waves, the feeling of buoyancy increases in the sea. Something especially important for children with disabilities to exercise in the aquatic environment with greater fluidity.
Sea water heals wounds and injuries. Sea water contains mineral salts such as magnesium, zinc, potassium or iodine, as well as other vitamins and microorganisms that release antibacterial substances. These components relax blood vessels and help reduce inflammation, redness, roughness, and even some skin conditions.
The sea provides a “relaxing” effect. Like other sports, swimming with lifeguard certificate is an activity that helps us relax. If we practice it at sea, this effect increases for different reasons. To begin with, swimming in the sea helps to reduce the production of adrenaline, which causes an “anti-stress” effect. On the other hand, the sea breeze is rich in negative ions, small particles that favor the production of serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter whose release produces a feeling of well-being
A refreshing and positive activity
To summarize, the main reasons that make swimming a positive activity for children with disabilities are:
- It’s refreshing fun for summer.
- It is a safe activity (as long as it is supervised by an adult).
- It improves the physical tone and helps us stay in shape.
- It is a low-impact sport, with little stress on ligaments/joints, and practically injury-free.
- It has many psychological benefits.
For swimming with lifeguard certificate in the sea to be a safe therapeutic or recreational activity. A physiotherapist needs to advise us on how to adapt the different swimming techniques. Or exercises to each disability and each person.
On the other hand, and due to the current situation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To swim at the beach this summer you must follow the recommendations of the authorities regarding. The use of facilities and access and capacity limitations. In addition to the compliance with interpersonal distance and some basic hygiene rules.
We also recommend that, before planning your vacation or your next getaway to the beach. You consult our complete guide to accessible beaches to have all the guarantees of mobility. Enjoy the day and swim in the sea in complete safety.
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