COLUMBIA FALLS SWIM TEAM

Why swimming? According to the American Red Cross, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children between the age of 1 and 14. Living in the Flathead Valley, our children are exposed to many bodies of water and our valley contains some of the deepest Glacier fed lakes in the world that should be approached with respect and understanding. Quite simply, children who possess a firm knowledge base and skill set of swimming, not only can save themselves, but also are far more equipped to recognize the inherent dangers of water and not become a statistic.

Benefits of Swimming:

• Swimming helps kids learn to set goals and work to achieve them.
• Swimmers tend to be academic achievers.
• Swimming builds confidence and self-reliance.
• Swimming is the only sport that can save your life.
• Swimming is one of the few sports you can do throughout your lifetime.
• Swimming is the best possible exercise. It works all the body's muscles and burns the most calories.
• Swimming makes children better athletes.
• Having a great relationship with the water opens up a whole host of other water sports and opportunities.
• Swimming well provides a lifetime of health and fitness.
• Swimming is the first lessons your child needs. They are the only lessons that could save your child's life.
• Being able to swim 400 yards continuously lowers the chance of ever drowning exponentially.
• Being able to swim 400 yards continuously means you can: scuba dive, snorkel, become a lifeguard, compete in triathlons, play water polo, teach swimming and much more!
• Learning to swim is an ability, like walking, that is part of growing up.
• Swimming teaches the life lessons of sports and sportsmanship which include learning to deal with winning and losing as well as working with officials, teammates and coaches.