There are many ways to tread water, and children can almost naturally figure out how to do it, once they are given the proper foundation of skills. Support, confidence and a few simple instructions are generally all that is required for a child to learn this important safety skill.
Explain to the child how and why we learn to tread water. Emphasize water safety without frightening him unnecessarily. Tread water as you explain, to demonstrate how useful and easy it is.
2
Describe the movements of your legs as "riding a bicycle" and the movements of your arms as "dog paddling." Note that these are generally poor treading forms, but in the beginning, they are excellent ways for children to build confidence. Children who know the breaststroke kick should use that, in a vertical position, for treading water.
3
Bring the child to a point in the water where you can touch the bottom but he cannot.
4
Support your child beneath the arms while assisting him to tread water.
5
Have him kick his legs up and down (almost like a flutter kick) and move his arms in short quick paddles in front.
6
Lower your supporting hand away for a moment to allow the child to tread on his own. Tell him that you are going to do this before you actually do it, to prevent panic.
7
Practice treading in this way every lesson until the child feels confident enough to do it on his own. Begin timing the treads.
Tips & Warnings
Talk to the child about what to do if he were unable to tread water or became too tired - the survival float or back float (see Related eHows "Teach a Child to Float in the Water" and "Teach a Child the Back Float.")
Always be ready to support a child when you take him to deep water.
Only teach a child to tread water if you are excellent at it yourself.
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