The goal of this paper is to show the importance of swimming and its positive impact on the harmonious growth and development of preschool children. The history of swimming dates to ancient times, and there is much evidence that swimming has always been considered an important determinant of everyday life. The elements of swimming are recognized in the drawings from Egyptian caves from Neolithic, characters from ancient history, ancient texts, laws, Greek history and literature, China, Japan up to the expansion throughout the entire Europe. The benefits of swimming for the human body and its health and proper functioning are unquestionable. Swimming enhances the development of children, contributes to their immunity, strengthens muscle structures, increases mobility, impacts the coordination of movements and improves general health. Through swimming lessons, children learn techniques of proper breathing, they learn the movements through water games, and they learn proper swimming techniques. In addition to positive physical effects, swimming develops competitive spirit, teamwork, socialisation, it helps with discipline and allows children to make friends. Water games contribute to the proper performance of movements and they develop coordination. Parents are the ones who first put children in contact with water and their role in getting the children used to water is extremely important. It is important to get acquainted with the rules and benefits of swimming at home so that the child’s fear of water is brought to the lowest level possible. Throughout the pre-school period, children can get involved in various swimming programmes and lessons, as well as swimming schools. Swimming programmes are intended for children swimmers and non-swimmers and there is no group excluded from swimming activities.