Swimming is lots of fun for people of all ages, and children especially love getting in the water and enjoying themselves. So when the whisker gang learned that their best buddy Jax didn't know how to swim, they sprung into action to teach him!

Polly the Persian Cat, Drake the Dog, and Bonnie the Bear know that swimming is not just fun, it also provides loads of health benefits which can help to keep our children healthy and happy at the same time:

• Swimming keeps your child’s heart and lungs healthy, improves strength and flexibility, increases stamina and even improves balance and posture

Drowning is still one of the most common causes of accidental death in children, so being able to swim is an essential life-saving skill. It’s important to remember that children who appear water confident are not always competent swimmers.

Another great thing about swimming is that children of any age or ability can take part, and it is more accessible for children with additional needs than almost any other sport.

• Swimming provides challenges and rewards accomplishments, which helps children to become self-confident and believe in their abilities

But health, fun, and confidence are not the only reasons why your child should learn to swim. Learning to swim also opens up the door to a range of other activities. A few sports your child can only do if they can swim:

1. Kayaking
2. Canoeing
3. Scuba diving
4. Surfing
5. Triathlon
6. Yachting

Learning to swim is a skill that once learnt is rarely forgotten and it is open to people of all ages. Remember parents, if you can’t always be there, learning to swim may save your child's life one day!