Finding an activity for your kids can be tough. You want to find something that is good for their social, cognitive and physical development (think sports versus video games), something that is convenient logistically for Mom & Dad, and most importantly something your kids will love.

Swimming checks all these boxes and more.

It’s a reliable year round activity. Even though swimming may be thought of as a summer sport only, it is in fact one of the moot reliable year-round sports a family can register for. Take for example soccer, which is a spring or summer sport. Soccer is awesome, it’s the cutest thing ever watching kids chase the ball around. If you want to continue out of season, you need to find a good indoor facility and hope the schedule works for you. Same for hockey, which is an amazing fall-to-spring sport, but continuing through summer requires special camps or a different location. Swimming is typically offered on the same consistent schedule at the same indoor pools, with the added bonus of outdoor pools during summer months.

It’s for everyone! You don’t have to be a beginner swimmer to get the most out of swim classes. Private classes particularly are tailored to challenge swimmers of any age and level. Already know how to swim? Join a swim team, and experience the challenging, self-motivating, and physically demanding environment of competitive swimming. Most clubs offer flexible classes and teams for all ages to ensure everyone can participate.

Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise. Time and time again, professional coaches and athletes rave at the multitude of benefits when swimming is used as a regular form of exercise. Compared to more traditional sports which focus on only some aspects of fitness (ex: basketball focuses on endurance and strength), swimming encompasses almost all forms of fitness. Strength, endurance, flexibility, you name it it’s part of the workout. Plus the added bonus that swimming is the only sport which requires an acute control of breathing thus improving lung capacity.

You can start swimming as of 12 weeks old! It’s true you can learn to swim before you can walk, or even crawl. Numerous studies have shown that starting swimming as an infant or baby have tons of benefits, from improving sleep and cognitive function to preventing drowning.

Signing up and getting started is easy. No need for long lines, waiting lists, or expensive equipment. Most private swim clubs (and finally the municipalities are catching on too!) offer simple online registration. Plus all you need is a bathing suit, towel, and maybe goggles. Plus most clubs offer flexible rescheduling and cancellation policies, so you are never wasting your money.

Your kids will love it. Guaranteed. It’s the closest thing to flying. And for kids who are like sponges and open to new experiences, imagine how quickly they can become addicted to the feeling of swimming. There are so many fun games that can only be played in the pool. Plus if you’re taking swim classes, then finding the right swim coach can enhance the experience even more.

Learning to swim can save your life. Drowning still remains the number 1 cause of preventable drowning deaths for kids under 5 years old. Let that sink in for a moment (pardon the pun). Learning to skate is great, but unless you need to escape from a bad guy and your only option is to speed across a frozen lake, well chances are hockey will remain a fun past time versus a lifesaving skill. But swimming can do exactly that, it can save your life. Learning skills like floating, holding breath, and recovering from a fall in deep water can be taught to kids or even babies.

So what are you waiting for? Find a swim club or location near you. See you at the pool!