Intermediate

The following skills are intended for intermediate-level swimmers who are able to perform basic swimming techniques with confidence. These skills should be mastered with a solid foundation in fundamental swimming abilities. Many of the skills outlined include specific drills and activities designed to help swimmers build the necessary technique, strength, and endurance required for success. By consistently practicing these drills and following the step-by-step progression, swimmers will improve their proficiency and move toward advanced skill development.

Jump In and Swim to Wall

A child should aim to be able to enter the water without holding their nose. Children should be directed to jump into the pool feet first. Full submergence is necessary to master this skill.

Submerge: Bob Independently

A child should practice going underwater without holding his/her nose. They will recover by quickly resurfacing. Children should be able to work to continuously blow bubbles while submerged. This should be practiced to successfully bob 10 times.

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Retrieve Items from Bottom of Pool

In body height-water, a child should practice holding his/her breath while retrieving objects in water. Include many challenges and games to help keep the child engaged with this lesson. Parents should be careful as the child could become tired quickly. and take breaks when needed.

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Front Float Independently

While floating on stomach, the child should be directed to be as still as possible. This can be done by slowing down the breathing rate as they work to hold his/her breath. When air is needed, have the child slowly turn the head to the side before putting his/her face back in water. NOTE: Front floating should only be done in short increments of time (less than 20 seconds).

Front Glide: Assisted, 5ft Away from Wall

Pushing off the wall in either a "superman" or streamlined position, children should be able to get at least five feet out. Before they need to recover with a minimum of three strokes.

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Back Float: Assisted, 10 seconds, Recover Independently

A child should be able to float on the back for ten seconds before recovering to a standing position. This should be done without any hesitation going from one movement to the next. He/she may be directed to push the belly button towards the sky or ceiling to help bring their legs to the surface. NOTE: If a child is unable to breathe while floating independently, a child should be assisted until they are able to breathe while independently floating.

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Back Glide Into a Float

Similarly to the front glide, a child should either be in a streamlined or a superman position. Pushing off the wall while on their backs, a child should aim to stay afloat and move for at least 5 seconds. After gliding, the child should be able to recover into a floating position, and then he/she should stay floating for 15-30 seconds. Some kids may like some additional cuing to count out loud.

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Roll: 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 needed practice, holding above water before doing more reps while slowly lowering them into the pool.

Introduce Freestyle

It is also known as the front crawl because of the alternating arm movements and continuous flutter kick.

Body Position – Swimmers maintain a horizontal and streamlined position to reduce drag.
Arm Movement – The arms move in a continuous, alternating motion. One arm pulls underwater while the other recovers above.
Kick Technique – A flutter kick (small, rapid kicks) helps with propulsion and balance.
Breathing Technique – Swimmers turn their heads to the side to breathe, usually every two or three strokes.

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TIP:

For a strong kick, children should be directed to have pointed toes and to try to make the legs as long as possible, on top of the water. You can try challenging them to ask them to create small splashes, faster kicks, smaller or bigger kicks, and quiet kicks. These tasks all should help build leg strength over time, making kicking and swimming easier.

A strong kick will assist the child to make backstroke and freestyle swimming easier because of how it affects the body position.

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Introduce Backstroke

Backstroke is a swimming style where the swimmer floats on their back and moves through the water using a flutter kick and alternating arm strokes. It is the only stroke done on the back in competitive swimming.

Body Position – The swimmer lies flat on their back, keeping their body as straight as possible.
Arm Movement – The arms move in a continuous windmill motion; one arm pulls underwater while the other recovers above.
Kick Technique – A flutter kick (small, fast leg movements) helps with speed and balance.
Breathing – Since the face is above the water, swimmers can breathe normally without turning their heads.

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Tread Independently (10 Seconds)

Children should be able to scull for 10 seconds in a height of water greater than their own.

Work on moving arms back and forth in a sculling motion to keep afloat.
Use kicking, a skill they should be used to, to their advantage to keep afloat.

Water Exit: Independently

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

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 limited 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.

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