Beginner

This level is designed for beginners who are becoming comfortable in the water. Activities may include basic water safety, floating techniques, and fundamental kicking skills. The primary focus is on creating a fun and safe environment to help participants build confidence and to help them be comfortable in the water.

Blow Bubbles: On Top of Water, Assisted

While being held or standing on a raised surface, a child's face should be above water. Try blowing water out of both mouth and noses. 

Comparisons that can be made to assist in this process:

• Explain mouth breathing as blowing out birthday candles. 

• The child should be able to blow bubbles for 5 second increments. 

For blowing air out through the nose, using comparisons like "blowing their nose when they are sick" should help. 

Common Mistakes: After all the air is blown out they will suck water in thinking it is air, and this causes a lot of discomfort for the kids. If this causes them to be scared, allow time for a  small break, and do something fun to help soothe them.  Try the skill again when they are not overwhelmed. 

Back Float: Assisted with Head on Shoulder

Have your child rest his/her head on your shoulder.  The rest of the body should be spread out like a starfish, or an airplane. 

Instructions should include: 

• having a tilted back head

• pushing the bellybutton up to the ceiling or sky

• shoulders pressed back

• slow and steady breaths. 

If your kid is having difficulty with keeping body parts above the water surface, using noodles or kick-boards can aid the child to float as they work on breathing. These may be needed more often in the beginning, but make sure that the children are able to float with and without the extra help.

Roll: Going From Front to Back, Assisted

In this assisted action, your child will lay on your arms stretched out away from your body, shoulder length apart. Children will then be instructed to roll from their front onto their back. If extra practice is needed, hold the child above water before doing more reps while slowly lowering them to be horizontal with the water.

Bobbing (Face Should Be in the Water)

Bobbing is simply jumping from below water to above water.  This is important to practice for when children are underwater, and they need to practice getting back to the surface. Start by jumping, or hopping, in shoulder-height water, if possible. As the legs and body get stronger, children should be able to bob in water at a depth that is approximately double their height. 

Open Eyes Underwater

Children should practice blinking underwater. This practice is needed only a couple times each practice given many children's eyes are highly sensitive to chlorinated or salt water. 

Water Exit: Parent and Child Together

If ladder is available, a child should climb out independently with a parent standing behind them. 

If a ramp is available, a child should exit the pool by walking up the ramp with a parent, hand- in-hand.

If there are no other options, a child should climb out using the side of pool, using the parent for assistance, as needed.

Disclaimer: 

The videos and instructional content provided on this website are intended solely as a supplementary resource for parents seeking to teach swim lessons to their children. These materials should not be used as a substitute for professional swim instruction or certification. It is imperative that parents or guardians always closely supervise children while in or near water, and never leave children unattended during swim activities. By utilizing this website and its resources, you acknowledge that you understand the importance of maintaining constant supervision and ensuring water safety at all times.