Wet hair, don’t care: why you should keep swimming in winter

Posted on 24 July, 2018

Like many young kids, I was often warned if my hair was wet in cooler weather, I’d catch a cold.

Although this myth has since been proven to be nothing more than an old wives’ tale, it hasn’t stopped parents pulling their children out of swimming lessons as a “precautionary measure” when the temperature plummets.

Yet it turns out there are huge benefits to keeping up swimming lessons in winter, including boosted immunity, better safety and resilience and increased brain development (not to mention the pools are usually so well-heated that it’s warmer in the water than it is outside!).

With the help of learn to swim specialists, Kingswim, we take a look at a few reasons why kids should continue swimming in winter.

Reduce the risk of colds

Children who swim throughout winter have stronger immune systems and are less likely to catch colds and flu, according to General Practitioner Dr Sam Hay.

“People may be surprised to know that swimming through winter can improve a child’s immune system by keeping them fit and healthy, reducing their risk of catching a cold.”

As for that old wet hair myth, Dr Hay says he’s been telling people for years that they needn’t worry about having wet hair in winter.

“Viruses don’t breed in our hair. So, if your hair gets wet, you won’t suddenly get sick,” he says.

“Colds and flus are more common in winter, but it’s not the weather or wet hair that’s the problem. Winter drives us indoors to the comforts of a warm and cosy space. Too many people huddled together means it’s easy for viruses to spread.”

Long-term skill retention

Often if swimming is not continued through the winter months, kids find their skills have regressed through lack of practice and months of summer lessons can go to waste. According to Kingswim centre manager Joanne Franklin, maintenance and reinforcement is key to maintaining technique, stamina and confidence.

“This is particularly important for infant, toddler and pre-school aged children when long-term skill retention and muscle memory are starting to develop,” Joanne says.

“Most winters see a drop in the rates of children in swimming lessons, a concern considering how detrimental skipping lessons in the winter months can be for a child’s ability and confidence come summer.”

Keep fit indoors

Swimming is a great way to remain fit and keep energy levels maintained indoors, helping to curb that dreaded “cabin fever” on a rainy day.

Kingswim ambassador and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Shayna Jack says regular swimming has been the key to keeping her fitness and immune system strong.

“I very rarely fall sick and can safely say in 15 years of regular swimming have never once caught a cold from having wet hair post-swim,” Shayna says.

“I’ve actually found that I’m more susceptible to catching a cold when I take a break from regular swimming.”

Stay safe

Winter doesn’t erase the dangers of water, as accidents can happen at any time of the year. Shayna and Joanne say it’s important for children to understand how to handle emergencies and stay water confident year-round.

“When it comes to improving children’s swimming skills and safety around water, ongoing lessons really are key.”

Boost brain development

Swimming has been proven to assist in brain development and for school-aged children, is regarded as vital for the development of academic performance, as well as coordination, motor skills, balance and concentration. 

Credit: Joseph Byford.

Winter Swim Hacks

Still cautious about swimming during winter? Kingswim recommends these hacks for an easier swim…

Be prepared 

The toughest part of swimming in winter is getting dry and changed afterwards. But it’s much easier with towel robes, loose-fitting clothing and ugg boots.

Swimming caps

Wet hair won’t make you sick but it can be annoying! A cap will keep hair dry during the lesson.

Credit: Joseph Byford.

Pack post-swim snacks

Swimming can be hungry work! Bring some snacks for kids to munch on after swimming, even better if you can bring something warm in a thermos.

No rashie suits or wetsuits

In the water, wear simple bathing suits that don’t have too much fabric, as Kingswim’s pools and centres are all heated and warm.

When little ones are wearing bulkier swimming suits with lots of fabric, they often get colder during their lesson due to lots of wet fabric. It’s also harder to move in restricting swimming suits.

Hair turbans

For little ones with longer hair, hair towel turbans are great to put on after swimming to help dry hair quickly. If you don’t have a towel turban, bring an extra towel for wrapping up wet hair.

GIVEAWAY

There’s only one way to get your kids ready for a safe summer of swimming – by keeping up swimming lessons in winter! Improve your child’s ability and confidence around water with four free lessons at Kingswim Deakin, Majura Park or Macgregor. Includes new swim gear pack to get them excited!

Prize pack includes: four free lessons at Kingswim Deakin, Majura Park or Macgregor; towel; one pair of bathers; swim cap; one pair of goggles; and bag. Total value $175.

To enter, email hello@hercanberra.com.au with the subject line KINGSWIM and tell us in 200 words or less which Kingswim centre (Deakin, Majura Park or Macgregor) you’d like to attend and why.

Entries close COB AEST on Thursday 26 July. Winner will be notified via email. Only the winner will be notified. 

the essentials

What: Kingswim swim school
Where: Deakin, Macgregor and Majura Park
When: Kingswim offers programs for babies from 12 weeks of age right through to graduate level swimmers at its 19 centres across the country. Information about programs is available on its website below.
Website: kingswim.com.au

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