BY JILL CASTLE, MS, RDN of usaswimming.org
I am a coach for the developmental groups on our team. My swimmers are 6-11 years old. We talk constantly about not only bringing a water bottle to practice, but drinking it as well. My athletes understand the importance of staying hydrated. My problem is the schools. The school does not allow liquids of any type in class because of the new carpet. My swimmers tell me either water isn’t allowed in the classroom, or they have to keep it in their backpack. One swimmer told me that she is allowed to bring a water bottle, even encouraged by the school to bring one daily. It goes on a special table in the classroom, but the teacher won’t let them get out of their seats to take a drink. If it is really important to be drinking continually, how do you go about educating a school district about this?
This is not the first time I’ve heard complaints about limited access to water at school. When it comes to young swimmers who may be heading to the pool after school, missing out on adequate water during the day can get in the way of a good practice, and can place the athlete in danger of serious dehydration.
According to the CDC, access to clean, free drinking water in schools has many benefits: an increase in overall water consumption, an ability to maintain hydration and prevent dehydration, and a reduction in calorie intake from sugary beverages. Adequate water in schools may also improve brain function and learning. And, for the young athlete, drinking water helps him hydrate for exercise during and after school.
Swimmers may have access to drinking fountains, but the swimmer may be dissuaded from using them due to poorly functioning fixtures, water contamination by lead pipes and plumbing, and a lack of fountains or inconvenient locations.
And not all youth are willing to drink from the water fountain. In a 2010 study of 10 schools in California's North Coast region, 70% of students reported that water fountains looked “disgusting” and dispensed water that tasted “gross.”
The natural solution is to bring in or purchase bottled water. However, the cost of bottled water at school may be steep, discouraging children from getting adequate amounts. Some schools have rules that discourage water consumption, such as banning reusable water bottles due to concerns that students will bring in alcoholic beverages, or policies that forbid water consumption in classrooms to prevent class disruptions (e.g., water spills, restroom breaks).
It’s clear that having access to water during the day for all students is a health promoting effort, not to mention, a necessity for young athletes.
Here are a few ways to improve access to water for young swimmers at school:
Speak up!
If you’re a parent, talk with your child’s teacher, the principal, the Parent Teacher Organization and/or the school district. Voice your concerns and offer solutions. Be sure to make the case for water’s benefits: improved learning and success in the classroom and on tests; an inclination to eat healthier; and better preparation for exercise. Don’t forget to outline the downsides of not drinking enough: poor focus and concentration; dehydration of varying degrees (which can be dangerous); muscle cramping; and poor athletic performance.
Check on the School Wellness Policy.
Look at the guidelines for water access and make sure the school is implementing the policy correctly. If a policy doesn’t exist, or is inadequate for students’ needs, appeal for a policy inclusion or modifications.
Ask for appealing forms of water.
Filtered, refrigerated, or flavored water with fruit slices entice students to drink. Ask for cups alongside water sources. Studies show that children drink more water when a cup is available.
Seek extra funding for water.
Partnerships with non-profit organizations and corporations may serve to improve water access and consumption.
All kids need water during the day, and young athletes need more to maintain their hydration status in preparation for, and during, exercise. For more resources, check out the following links:
Improving Water Access in Schools.
Patel AI and Hampton KE. Encouraging consumption of water in school and child care settings: Access, Challenges and strategies for improvement. Am J Publ Health. 2011; 101 (8): 1370-1379.
Jill Castle, MS, RDN is a childhood nutrition expert and author of the upcoming book, Eat Like a Champion: Performance Nutrition for Your Young Athlete (July 2015). She lives with her husband and four children in New Canaan, CT. Find out about Jill at www.JillCastle.com.
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