By Kelly Bonner
How many things do you have in common with a FISH?
FISH FACT YOU
Have taste buds
Need oxygen
Can swim
Can't swim backwards
Did you know that children of all ages and abilities, just like you, are able to learn how to swim? At first it may be a little scary, but swimming can be lots of fun and a great form of exercise! First you will need to learn how to put your head under water and blow bubbles. You can practice this in the bathtub. Just make sure a parent is nearby to supervise. Being comfortable in the water is one of the first steps to being a swimmer. Once you are comfortable, then you can learn how to float belly up and belly down. After that you can learn how to add your arms and legs until you are swimming just like a fish.
The water can be a great place to move your stiff or sore joints and increase your ability to move. It is also a great place where you can leave your walker or wheelchair behind and move around without them. Learning how to swim can open up the doors to so many other fun water activities as well, like water skiing, kayaking, and tubing.
Once you start swimming, you may find that you really enjoy it!
