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Published on August 20, 2025

Making Waves at Every Age

The Pool Is Calling—And Everyone Should Answer

By Shawnae Holliday 
Cone Health Sagewell Health & Fitness 
Recreation & Aquatics Manager 

 

Nearly all parents – 97%, in fact, according to one survey – want their child to know how to swim. Often, that desire comes from a place of safety. Water can be a dangerous place for anyone, but especially someone who doesn’t have the ability to swim confidently. 

But the truth is, there are many more reasons why learning how to swim can benefit people of any age. And that’s why the team at Sagewell Health & Fitness are such strong advocates for helping everyone learn to swim, whether they’re starting as an infant, developing those skills in adulthood or starting the process at any age in between. 

Here are 3 key reasons swimming lessons are important for all ages:  Gino McQueen gives swimming lessons

  1. The social benefits. Swimming can bring everyone together, especially when it comes to group lessons. Participating in a swim class fosters connection, and that social aspect extends far beyond the Sagewell pool as something students can take with them any time they swim with others. Being a strong swimmer will allow them to fully experience those fun times in a pool, lake, ocean or other body of water, versus being focused only on fear or lack of skill.
  2. The physical benefits. Swimming is an amazing form of exercise, and it’s one most people can participate in their whole lives – even amidst injury, as they age, etc. It is full-body movement that is far easier on the joints and the body overall, while still burning significant calories. (See source.)
  3. The mental health benefits. Swimming engages the mind – requiring concentration, coordination and decision-making skills. All those factors stimulate brain development in children. In adults, swimming helps keep cognitive abilities sharp. Plus, strong mental health is vital to success and happiness in life. Conquering swimming lessons is a way to boost confidence in both children and adults. Overcoming a fear of water to take lessons and starting to become a competent swimmer opens them up to trying more new things in the future. Swimming is also a lifelong way to stay active, and physical activity is linked to stronger emotional balance and a reduction in anxiety and depression.

If you’re interested in learning more about swimming lessons at Sagewell Health & Fitness, visit our website.

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