Have you ever heard your mom, or another adult in your life, say the classic ‘you’re gonna catch a cold!’ saying during the winter season? Whether it’s heading out the door without your hat and gloves or leaving the house with damp hair fresh out of the shower, moms are notorious for telling their kids to bundle up to prevent a cold. The truth is, cold weather doesn’t cause a cold! Let’s bust a few Winter Weather myths with our friend, Dr. Molly.

MYTH: Wet Hair in the Winter Causes Sickness

TRUTH: Winter weather doesn’t cause a cold, viruses do! Colds and other illnesses are more common during the winter, but not because of the temperature. The natural life cycle of viruses that cause sickness are at their peak during winter months, and spending more time indoors means we’re more likely to spread sickness to others.

Though you can’t catch a cold from it, wedo know going out in the cold with wet hair just isn’t fun! That’s why each Goldfish Swim School is equipped with a hair drying station so your kiddo can be nice and dry before heading outside!

MYTH: Swimming During the Winter Makes You More Likely to Catch a Cold

TRUTH: Just like cold weather doesn’t cause a cold, neither does swimming! In fact, your child is more likely to catch a cold virus at school or in a busy mall during holiday shopping than they are at swim lessons. In fact, our schools are equipped with state-of-the-art HVAC/ventilation systems that are 4 times greater than an elementary school classroom!

MYTH: Swimming During the Winter Can Make My Child More at Risk for An Ear Infection

TRUTH: Neither ear infections nor swimmer’s ear are related to winter weather. Both could happen all year-round!

MYTH: My Child Doesn’t Need to Learn to Swim Right Now, Because It’s Winter and It’s Too Cold to Swim Outside

TRUTH: You may not be thinking about pools & beaches right now, but winter is actually the BEST time to think about water safety! It takes time to build up swim skills and muscle memory – plus, water safety is a year-round concern! Drowning-related accidents don’t just happen in the summer – there’s bathtime, ice-related issues, even toilets and buckets of water can be a hazard. Not to mention the coolest winter birthday parties are held at indoor pools, and lots of winter vacations are taken in warm-weather destinations. Kiddos shouldn’t take a break in swim lessons during the winter or wait until the next warm season to start. Especially when a 90-degree, shiver-free pool is calling their name!

PLUS!! Swimming through the cold weather season can help kiddos keep energy levels up, beat winter boredom and seasonal sadness, and maintain consistency in their lives.

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Swim lessons make fintastic holiday gifts! Learn how you can give the stocking stuffer that can literally save lives by finding the Goldfish Swim School nearest you!

Dr. Molly O’Shea is a board-certified pediatrician and owner of Birmingham Pediatrics + Wellness Center in Bloomfield Hills, MI and Campground Pediatrics + Wellness Center in Washington Township, MI. Dr Molly has been in practice for over 25 years and has served at the state and national levels for the American Academy of Pediatrics. She was the ‘Ask the Pediatrician’ columnist for the Detroit News for many years and was a journal editor as well. Dr Molly is a lifelong swimmer, former triathlete, wife and mother.