“Take the Plunge” Swimming Prescription Program in San Antonio

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Through the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) “Take the Plunge to Better Health” grant, doctors in San Antonio, TX ( % Latino) will be able to prescribe swimming lessons for kids that would benefit from physical activity. San Antonio is one of a handful of cities that are linking the medical community with local park and recreation agencies to provide kids the opportunity to participate in physical activity to reduce obesity and improve their health.

Swimming is an excellent form of physical activity to prevent obesity and diabetes and improve health. It increases blood flow to the brain and promotes cardiovascular, muscular, skeletal, and nervous system health.  Additionally, it puts less strain on joints and connective tissues and is associated with fewer head injuries than other sports. Swimming is also associated with increased academic performance. Furthermore, increasing kid’s swim ability reduces their risk of drowning and drowning-related disability.

Increasing access to swimming facilities is particularly important to prevent obesity among Latino kids because, because they typically lack access to affordable and convenient swimming lessons and swimming facilities, thus have low swim ability, increased risk of drowning, and increase obesity.

Families interested in participating in the swimming prescription program may discuss the prescription packet with their doctor. Doctors interested in participating in the swimming prescription program may call the aquatics department or access information online.

Learn more about the swimming prescription program here.

Learn about the benefits of water immersion here.