Puberty is a natural process, although it can make you feel wholly unnatural -- and even embarrassed -- especially in the swimming pool. Puberty's changes are not as apparent on dry land, where you're covered with clothing, but there's nowhere to hide when you're wearing a bathing suit. Puberty changes your body and also can change your swimming performance.
Boy Changes
Puberty usually hits boys between the ages of 9 and 14. Swimsuit-apparent changes include the appearance of body hair and the development of muscles, especially in the chest and shoulders. Erections are not uncommon during puberty and can happen at any time, even in the pool.
Girl Changes
Girls can start going through puberty around age 9 and get their first period about two years after puberty begins. Swimsuit-apparent changes for girls include body hair; a rounder, curvier figure; and breast development. Swimming still is possible, but a swimsuit with a different cut and additional support where needed is in order. Swimming also is possible during a period as long as you use a tampon. Girls can experience their growth spurt later than boys of the same age, leaving them taller and more powerful than their male teammates.
Swimming Performance Changes
Boys and girls who mature earlier than their fellow swimmers can have an advantage over their teammates, although that is not always the case. While puberty's changes of a taller frame and increased body weight can lead to enhanced strength and power in the pool, it also can make you uncoordinated and clumsy, at least at first. You might notice your swimming performance improves, but it could just as easily decline or plateau. Whatever the case, you're best off if you keep training. Even if you don't want to participate in swim meets or organized events, you can continue to improve your swimming performance by working on your strokes and training outside the pool, such as running, rowing, stair climbing and other activities to improve your endurance, as well as exercises that build strength.
Considerations
Puberty's growth spurt can last about two to three years, during which your body and swimming performance can continue to go through changes. If you are suddenly the strongest and faster swimmer, know that your peers eventually will catch up as they also develop. If you're suddenly the slowest or least-coordinated swimmer, know that you will improve as you adapt to your body's changes. Hormones are another part of puberty and often come with sexual feelings that you have not experienced before. The swimming pool is definitely not the place to act on those feelings. Treat your teammates with the same respect you would expect.
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