'I thought swimming lessons were just about safety. An expert proved me wrong.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Rackley Swimming

Living in Australia and raising kids by the beach, swimming lessons have always been a non-negotiable in our family.

When you're surrounded by water, they stop being a "nice to have" and quickly become an essential part of the parenting checklist. There's no way I'm leaving my kids' safety to chance — especially when drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental deaths for kids under five.

I've seen firsthand the joy of long, salt-streaked summers spent at the beach or hours of play in the pool. Swimming is woven into our lifestyle, and I want my kids to enjoy those same memories — but I also want the peace of mind that they're safe while doing it.

That's why I never needed convincing about the value of lessons for my 22-month-old and three-year-old. When I spoke with Kim Rigby, a swimming coach with 34 years' experience at Rackley Swimming, her philosophy aligned completely with mine.

Kim believes swimming isn't just a sport, but a life skill — one that builds confidence in the water, teaches vital safety strategies and sets kids up with healthy habits for life.

Rackley Swimming has delivered more than eight million lessons to Aussie kids — from babies taking their very first class to competitive athletes, including Olympians. They clearly know exactly what they're doing.

What did surprise me, though, was discovering that the benefits of swimming lessons extend far beyond water safety. Here are the three things that stood out.

Developing confidence and social skills.

"Swimming enhances socialisation for kids. They learn how to be part of a group, how to model behaviour and pick up cues from each other. You sometimes think they're not paying attention, but they really are," Kim explained.

Heading to the pool every week offers benefits that stretch beyond the lessons themselves. A local pool can become a safe space or a "happy place" for kids, Kim noted, helping to build social skills and confidence through interactions with teachers, pool staff and other students.

"From the moment they skip in that door, you want the whole experience to be positive — and you want them to skip back out," she said.

"One of the things I love most about teaching young kids is seeing their progress and growing confidence. Some little ones arrive nervous, unsure of themselves. We use our STEPS program — Support, Trust, Enthusiasm, Patience, Success — to guide everyone. Nothing is forced; every child moves at their own pace."

This structured approach allows Rackley Swimming coaches to nurture confidence in the pool at every stage.

"One dad recently told me, 'I used to watch my little girl swim and wonder how long it would take her to reach the group of more experienced swimmers — and now there she is!'"

"She has progressed so much and gained confidence incredibly quickly," Kim reflected. "Swimming builds confidence because it teaches kids they can tackle challenges and overcome them."

Physical strength and coordination.

Kim actually decided to become a swim coach after her son broke his leg and she saw firsthand how swimming helped with his physical rehabilitation.

From that moment, she became a strong advocate for the physical benefits of learning to swim — especially for younger kids who are also mastering other skills like walking, running and climbing.

"Swimming helps with core development — you're using every muscle in your body. You're learning to breathe, moving your arms and legs, building coordination," Kim explained. "For little bodies, the benefits are undeniable."

Preparing kids for school. 

Older toddlers doing swimming lessons — whether in the pool with their parents or on their own — are picking up valuable skills that will help them when they start school, Kim told Mamamia.

"They're learning to wait their turn, sing songs that teach counting, recognise colours and practice patience," she explained.

"Swimming lessons also teach kids how to follow instructions from someone they don't yet have a personal relationship with, which is very similar to a classroom environment," Kim added. "For a three-year-old, being in a pool without a parent can feel huge, but it helps them get comfortable with another friendly adult."

Skills like turn-taking and following directions are critical for starting school.

"Yesterday, I could hear kids in the showers practicing the counting, waiting and taking-turns skills from their lesson. It's wonderful to see the lessons transferring to everyday life."

To book your kids' swimming lessons, head to Rackley Swimming's website. 

Feature Image: Supplied.

At Rackley Swimming, we believe every child deserves the confidence and safety that comes from learning to swim. That's why we've taught over 8 million swimming lessons to Queensland families – from tiny tots taking their first splash to competitive swimmers chasing their dreams. Our friendly, qualified coaches, year-round heated pools, and family-focused approach mean your child will be supported every step of the way. This winter, our Trev's Adventures program makes lessons even more exciting, with weekly prizes and a grand prize of free swimming for a year. Your Swim Journey Starts Here – join our swim family today.