Is it healthy for your child to swim during cold winter months?

As cooler weather approaches, many parents face a dilemma, to swim or not to swim during the winter months.  Many old wives tales abound concerning childrenís health and the winter months.  Often parents don't understand the health basics, so we offer these facts to dispel some of these myths.

MYTH: Swimming, cold air and wind may cause ear infections.
FACT: Middle ear infections, common in small children, are caused by viruses or infectious colds.  Typically, fluid from the Eustachian tubes in the ear drain through the nose and throat.  During illness, passages constrict, and the fluid builds up and becomes infected.  Swimming causes swimmer's ear, which is not the same as a middle ear problem.

MYTH: Sudden changes in the weather or going out in the cold air with wet hair will cause a cold.
FACT: Viruses cause colds, not the weather.  If one becomes ill after being out in the cold and or wet weather, it is more than likely just a coincidence.  However, changes in the weather do cause allergies to flare up.  Sneezing and runny noses lasting a few days are indications of an allergic reaction.  A cold can last as long as ten days.

So  now, after having addressed these common questions, we offer the advantages of winter swimming.

CONTINUITY: without a doubt, children who swim throughout the winter months have a better chance of reaching and maintaining their swimming goals.  When a child takes a break for several months, it is difficult to retain the skills previously learned.

PHYSICAL FITNESS: children who are confined to the house during the winter months need to have a way to physically relieve stress and to further develop motor skills.  Consistent exercise and activity can actually build the immune system, making it easier to resist infection.

We hope this information will be of help to you and encourage you to continue lessons throughout the winter. 

Teaching your child to be safe in the water is an ongoing process.