June 2022

10 Tips for (Re)-Introducing Your Child to the Water

June marks the beginning of the summer swim season! Whether you’re returning to the pool after a winter hiatus, bringing your little one to the beach for the first time, or getting ready to start swim lessons, it’s important to get your child comfortable in the water. Below are 10 tips from Coach Marci for getting your child swim-ready.

Bath time = prep time!

1. Raise the water level in the bathtub and let your child explore. Don’t pressure them; just let their natural curiosity take over.

2. Encourage a game of ‘diving under’ to pick up toys from the bottom of the tub. Take away floating toys in favor of ones that sink. Dive toys, rocks, and spoons all work!

3. Work on getting your child comfortable with submersion - the key to learning to swim. Prompt with the words “ready, set, go - waterfall!!” and then slowly pour water so it falls over your child’s head, nose, and mouth. 

In the pool:

1. Get in the pool with your child, face them, and show them how to blow bubbles. Say things like, “kiss the water!” 

2. Have your child hold onto and scoot along the edge of the pool wall with their hands. 

3. Let your child pick out special dive toys that excite them. Have them practice diving for these toys on the steps of the pool, in the shallow end, or in a large baby pool.

4. Have your child walk in water on the steps or shallow end of the pool.

5. Practice gliding your child through the water and floating them on their back. 

6. Work on submerging your child in the pool, prompting with the words “ready, set, go” then blowing on their noses before going under. This will help initiate a primitive diving instinct and encourage them to hold their breath under water.

7. If your child is ready to put their head in the water, you can try swimming them very short distances (start with just one 1 foot) to the steps or wall. Help them reach out to grab for and touch the edge so they learn that the wall is ‘safety.’ Offer a big hug and lots of encouragement for their bravery.

Follow the tips above and your kids can become comfortable in the water and ready for a safe - and fun - summer season!