The New York Times recently published The Magic of Swimming Lessons in Middle Age, and Vogue Magazine writes Why Swimming is the Best Exercise for Your Brain.

So maybe swimming is finally getting the attention it deserves. Swimming isn't simply a life skill for survival, it has many unique health benefits for people of all ages. Here's a quick summary of the wondrous boosts we humans get from swimming:

- **Cardiovascular Health**: Swimming has been shown to improve cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and lower the risk of heart disease. A study commissioned by Swim England found that swimmers have a 41% lower risk of death due to heart disease or stroke compared to non-swimmers. 

- **Mental Well-being**: Engaging in aquatic exercises can significantly enhance mood and alleviate anxiety symptoms. Research indicates that light aquatic aerobics may have a particularly positive effect on mental health. 

- **Cognitive Function**: Regular swimming is associated with enhanced memory and cognitive function. It promotes neurogenesis—the creation of new neurons—which supports cognitive functions like memory and learning. Additionally, swimming releases neurotransmitters such as serotonin, improving mood and alleviating depression and anxiety. 

- **Bone Health**: Aquatic therapy has been found to improve bone mineral density (BMD) in individuals, particularly benefiting those unable or unmotivated to perform intense land exercises. The buoyancy and resistance properties of water make it a safe and effective option for enhancing bone health. 

- **Overall Longevity**: Swimming is associated with a 28% lower risk of early death. Its low-impact nature makes it a suitable exercise for individuals throughout their lifespan, contributing to overall health and longevity. 

Learning to swim can feel daunting at first, whether its a child dipping their toes in for the first time or an adult conquering lifelong fears. But there’s a powerful tool that can transform the experience. It's having a growth mindset, the belief that with effort, perseverance, and the right strategies, a person can improve—even if it feels challenging in the moment.  

Research by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck has shown that adopting a growth mindset significantly enhances learning and resilience. Her studies found that individuals who focus on effort and progress, rather than fixed abilities, are more likely to embrace challenges and bounce back from setbacks. When people swap “I can’t do this” for “I’ll do my best,” they're giving their brain permission to grow and adapt.  

At LifeCycle Swim School School, we encourage swim students of any age to approach learning with curiosity and patience. Can’t float yet? That’s okay—each try gets students closer to success. Struggling with a stroke? Getting it right takes practice. A growth mindset helps students focus on the small steps along the way, rather than perfection, building confidence and skills as they progress.

Our teachers do their part too. We're trained to provide specific, constructive and positive feedback so that students have the information they need to improve on each try. Working together we'll turn any "I can’t" into "I’m improving."

​With a growth mindset, and the right teachers, the pool will become a happy place. Come join us!

Experts estimate that 350-400 people per year drown in their cars in the U.S. and Canada after their vehicle falls in a body of water or becomes stranded in flooding. Review these tips to avoid a water crisis while driving.

Prevention and Preparation are Key

• Stay updated on weather alerts, including flash flood warnings.
• Never drive on a flooded road. "Turn around, don't Drown!" is the National Weather Service's campaign to educate drivers about water safety. Drivers can lose control in just six inches of water, and one foot of water is enough to sweep away even large cars.
• Slow down. Rain reduces visibility and traction. Drive cautiously and avoid sudden stops.
• Keep a seatbelt cutter and window breaker tool in your car.
• Safety drills. If you have children, let them practice crawling out of the car window and onto the roof. Experts suggest introducing this drill calmly and without mentioning drowning. Here's a good script: "Sometimes there are emergencies and we can do things to help keep ourselves safe."

If Your Car Becomes Submerged Remember SWOC (Seatbelt/Windows/Out/Children)

• Stay calm and quickly assess the situation.
• Unbuckle or cut your seatbelt.
• Roll down or break your window. You likely won't be able to open the door due to water pressure, and if you can open it, you don't water water rushing into the car from an open door.
• If children are with you push them out the window first, starting with the oldest who will be able to hold onto a seatbelt or roof so you can assist younger children.
• Get out. Climb through the window and onto the roof. Hang on to whatever you can, such as a seatbelt strap, or clutch roof rack rails. Call 911 if you still have your phone. Rescuers are more likely to see you on top of a vehicle rather than inside one that is filling up with water.
• Stay on the roof if the water currents are strong.​