How to Help Your Child Get Over the Fear of Swimming

Some children have the fear of swimming. They are scared of getting their face wet or drowning. The very thing they fear is actually what will help them. Professional swim lessons give kids the ability to safely move through water. If your child has an extreme fear of water, you'll need to work with him to improve their confidence before you can teach him to swim. To help your child conquer their fear of swimming, you'll need to react calmly, empathize with them and give them the tools they need to succeed.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A pool or beach
• A life jacket
• A pair of high-quality goggles
• A professional swim instructor

1. 
    
   Swimming in Shallow Water

   Expose your child the shallow water where they feel safe. Praise your child for their minor achievements in the water.

2. 
    
   Form-fitting Goggles

   By a high-quality pair of form-fitting goggles. For most kids, it's the idea of having water in her eyes that bothers her the most about swimming.

3. 
    
   Conquer the Fear of Swimming

   Help your child conquer his fear of swimming by gradually exposing them to water. This can begin at home in the bathtub or shower.

4. 
    
   Floating in the Water

   Teach a child to float. This simple trick can be a lifesaver for the child is learning to swim. Most children find the floating is relatively easy once they feel comfortable in the water

5. 
    
   Learn the Backstroke

   Teach your child the different swim strokes. Make time to practice them together and perfect form.

6. 
    
   Swim Lessons

   Enroll your child in professional swim lessons. Get private or semi-private lessons if money isn't an option. Often kids respond differently to a trained swim instructor than to their parents.

7. 
    
   Fun in the Water

   Make it fun! Teach your child that safety comes first, but you can also have a blast in the water.

Tips & Warnings

• The earlier you get your child used to water, the easier time they will have learning to swim.
• Take your child's fears seriously and work with him or her to conquer their fear.
• Never let a child alone in a pool or the beach without supervision.
• Use a life jacket or floaties when you start to teach a child to swim.