SwimToday.org and Summer Olympics Team Trials!

With the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, which will be held in London this year, right around the corner, excitement is heating up to start supporting the US teams! But, did you realize, the teams are just now being finalized? You won’t want to miss this!

2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials NEXT Week!

From June 25th through July 2nd, team trials are being held to determine the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team! Top swimmers from all across the United States will be in attendance at the trials for an exciting and suspenseful series of competitions. The trials will be live on NBC, so be sure to check your showtimes and join in on the fun! Watch as Team USA is formed and the “stars” literally began to be known for their talents! You can even host your own in-home viewing party with your friends or your children’s friends and cheer on Team USA together! USA Swimming is even offering an awesome party kit for selected participants based that register to host a viewing party, based on availability. Register to host a “Splash Bash Party” and hold your own viewing party in your home with the kit or just browse the fun free party planning tips and essentials!

 

SwimToday!

USA Swimming is the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming in the US and wants to be sure you have all the information right at your fingertips for all things swimming. They created a great website at SwimToday.org that is loaded with information on how to get started with swimming! The website includes an easy “Swimmer Quiz” that helps you understand what type of swimmer you or your child might be so you can start at the appropriate swimming lessons! With information for those that are learning, interested in competitive swimming, or using swimming to improve your overall health and wellness. You can then easily find a swimming club near you. Some programs are even available to assist with low-income families to help those who might not normally afford to take their child to swim classes to get involved. You’ll see a water droplet icon and a “Make A Splash” logo where programs may be available. Each program will have it’s own requirements and limited amount of spots available.

 

Why Swimming?

You probably realized that drowning is a concern, but did you know that drowning is the 2nd leading cause of accidental death for kids ages 1-14? Swimming lessons can help your child gain confidence in the water and can reduce the risk of drowning by 80%! WOW! Obviously, safety is a really big concern but swimming has many other benefits! Swimming is a fun, low-impact sport that exercises your whole body. It can be used as a means to stay active through your whole life and doesn’t give stress to your knees or other joints like you may get from other activities like running. Swimming also provides a social outlet when you join a team but can also be enjoyed as an individual sport giving you the flexibility to play, practice, or even train alone or with friends! Swimming has been rated in the top 3 sports of choice in most age groups, so it’s clearly a great pick!

Here is one of my cuties enjoying Swimming!

Questions & Answers with USA Swimming!

I had the fun opportunity to join in on a chat with USA Swimming and TheMotherhood. Our chat began with being able to watch the summer trials platform all come together, which was really neat! Then, I learned more information about SwimToday.org and even get some common swimming questions answered! My biggest question has always been, “What is the best age to start swimming lessons?” I was surprised to find out that swimming lessons at local pools may start as young as 6 months in a Mommy & Me class. The USA Swimming board’s advice was to start out your children in the water at a young age to help them feel comfortable in the water. This doesn’t mean you necessarily have to start swim lessons at this age, but any water exposure is great to create an early love for swimming! Another great tip is to avoid the use of any floaties or aids as it teaches your children a false sense of security your children won’t really have in a pool on their own. This often creates a panicked child when put into the pool without the aids they’ve come to depend on. Instead, enroll your children in swimming lessons where they can learn with peers their own age and begin to gain a confidence in the water!

Another great tip that was shared from a US Olympic Swimmer, was to not push or be overbearing in guiding your children and their involvement in sports. Her advice? Let your children guide their own decisions about training and sports. If they feel they need a break or want to try a variety of sports, let them! This way, they stay and interested in staying active.

So, who’s ready to jump in the pool and go swimming? I sure want to! What a perfect way to cool off, enjoy the summer, and be active too!

Disclosure: I will receive a stipend for participating in this blogging campaign with TheMotherhood. Opinions expressed above are my own.