Written question WQ87007
- Asked by
- James EvansConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 6 days
Question
What assessment has the Minister made of the importance of physical activity such as swimming lessons for children?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing
UK Chief Medical Officer Guidelines on physical activity offer recommendations for the volume, duration, frequency and type of physical activity that children and young people aged five to 18 should aim to do for better physiological, psychological and psychosocial health.
Swimming and aquatic activity can support the health of the population due to its popularity and accessibility across the life course. Participation in swimming lessons can also help children to develop physical, cognitive and social skills quicker. Aquatic activity not only helps develop aerobic fitness but also supports the development of strength and balance across the life course which are key components of the CMO guidelines for health.