Beating the 'Winter Blues'

We catch colds from being exposed to viruses. These viruses are usually transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is impossible to catch a cold from being cold—we must come into contact with the cold or flu viruses to ‘catch it’. As these viruses can’t live in the air for long we can only catch them around people who have them!

Colds are more common in the winter months because people (especially children) spend more time indoors and are therefore exposed to more germs.

Why do only some people exposed to these bugs actually catch them? Truth is, some people have stronger immune systems than others and this helps them fight off the nasty bugs. Becoming very cold can temporarily lower our body temperature and challenge the immune system making us more prone to picking up those airborne viruses.

So, how do we strengthen our immune systems? Eating a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals from fresh fruit and vegetables is the first line of defence. The second is to maintain a regular exercise program. Children who swim regularly are fitter and maintain stronger immune systems to fight off the viruses they come into contact with. In fact, children who swim throughout the winter seem to catch far less colds and flu's.

Our pool is heated all year round with the Hydro temp sitting at a lovely 34°C and our lap pool at 30°C. The air temperature is also maintained at a comfortable 26°C, making swimming the ideal exercise through the winter months. As our body temperature sits around 37°C, some kids may find it more comfortable in the winter to wear a Toastee. Be sure to have a dry towel and warm clothes ready for your child at the end of lessons.

Continuity of lessons plays a crucial part in building the foundations of water safety protection and skill for children. Skills need year round reinforcement to stay current. Swimming is taught by repetition, pulling your children in and out of lessons throughout the year will not benefit there progression.

What is a Toastee? Toastee’s are a wetsuit top that is as light as a rash vest, but as warm as a regular wetsuit. They are ideal for Learn to Swim classes as the 0.5mm chlorine resistant treated Neoprene rubber doesn’t restrict their movements or increase their buoyancy. We have a few different sizes for kids to try for free at reception.

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