How to Teach Children to Dive Headfirst Into a Pool

Making the transition from jumping into a pool headfirst rather than feetfirst, can be difficult for some children. There may be some fears to overcome. Try these tips to make the experience easier to handle.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Set up in the shallow end of the pool. Sit on a middle step and have your child stretch her arms straight overhead. Ask her to aim her hands to the far side of the pool and push off from the step.

2. When your child is comfortable with Step 1, make it a little more difficult. From a standing position on the step, have them crouch and quickly push off for the opposite side of the pool.

3. Moving to deeper water, gradually work up to your child sitting on the side of the pool and pushing off to launch themselves into the water.

4. When your child is comfortable sitting and pushing off, move them up to kneeling. Get in the water and hold a hula hoop upright, close to the surface of the water. Have your child launch themselves through the hoop and into the water. Raise the hoop slightly each time they successfully make it through.

5. Ask your child to make it through the hoop from a standing position. By making it a game, your child will forget the fear of diving headfirst into a pool.

Tips & Warnings

• Move slowly through the steps, making sure your child is comfortable with each part of the process.
• Never leave a young child unattended in the pool.
• Never dive from a standing position into the shallow end of a pool.