How to teach a child to swim

Whenever I go swimming, it seems I instinctively want to teach the kids who can't swim how to swim. This might be due to how much fun I had as a kid swimming. My father taught me and one thing I love to do is teach. So here are my tips on teaching a child to swim.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience
• Love children, or atleast the one you are teaching
• Safety awareness

1. 
   By BenM135 on Flickr.com

   Safety first - If you expect your 2 month old to do the breast stroke, you are out of your mind. Although the age varies by child, it is safe to teach a child to swim when they have their basic motor functioning in tact and have a desire to learn.
   
   I suggest kids start out with using an inner tube built for their size so they can learn how to move in the water.
   
   I strongly suggest you avoid arm floatation devices on your child if he or she does not have a lot of upper body strength. The child can still go under and drown if you aren't' paying attention. This happened to my small cousin. Luckily she was fine thanks to myself and my other cousin paying attention to her. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THEM!

2. 
   By andzer on Flickr.com

   Know a little physics - I'm not saying you need to understand all of Einstein's laws but know how your own body floats and moves in water. Become aware of how you hold your torso, what you do with your legs and arms. The more you are aware of your own body and how it works in water, the easier it will be to explain and demonstrate that to a child.

3. 
   By RandyTurner on Flickr.com

   Let them test the water - Keep them in the shallow end and let them explore the water for themselves.

4. 
   By somaamos on Flickr.com

   Throw them in - Now don't get too eager here. Some kids, actually most kids, want to get thrown in. Some will cry and scream if you attempt it. You know your child best. Most kids will cry while you throw them in and them come up smiling. Be prepared for "Do it again! Do it again!"

5. 
   By annieseay on Flickr.com

   Make it a game - While they learn how to move, either in a float or not, play games with them. I like to play "Shark" or "Jaws" as long as the kids aren't afraid of the idea.

6. 
   By furtive on Flickr.com

   Get rid of the float - Stay in the shallow end. If your child is eager to learn, they may try to drown themselves by going to the deep end out of enthusiasm. Start by holding the child up on the surface of the water and have them kick their feet and doggy paddle with their hands. Walk them forward, even if they aren't strong enough to hold themselves up. Show them that this is what happens if you swim.

7. 
   By KarinaCW on Flickr

   Keep moving - Kids forget to keep kicking or paddling. Remind them. Don't let them stop.

8. 
   By kagey_b on Flickr.com

   Let go - If you think they can do it or at least are ready to try on their own, let go. They will probably sink so don't go far.

9. 
   By francoiscuccu on Flickr.com

   Keep at it - More than likely, one lesson won't do the trick. Keep working with the child and eventfully they will be swimming on their own. Always keep your eye on them. And provide lots of encouragement.

Tips & Warnings

• KEEP YOUR EYES ON THEM AT ALL TIMES
• Use safety devices like floats when appropriate
• If you feel you can't teach them on your own, enlist the YMCA or other swim teacher to help
• This article is my opinion and personal experience teaching children. I assume no responsibility in your attempting anything above. Be smart and keep them safe above all else.