Tips on Teaching Children to Swim

Swimming is an important skill for children to learn.

One of the most important skills a child can learn is how to swim properly. Swimming not only gives your child a way to exercise and build stronger muscles, it helps her survive should she unexpectedly come into contact with water. Whether you teach your child yourself or you enroll her in swimming lessons, you can take several steps to help her succeed.

Safety

Before you begin to teach your child how to swim, discuss safety issues with him. Talk about proper swimming etiquette and the importance of safe behavior, whether your child swims in a pool, lake or ocean. For example, remind your child that it is unsafe to run at a swimming pool because he could slip and fall. If your child jumps into a lake, remind him not to dive in, because part of the lake could be shallow. For ocean swimming, talk to your child about keeping an eye out for sharp rocks and an undertow.

Technique

Demonstrate proper swimming techniques to your child. Avoid overwhelming her with everything at once, and instead work on just one or two skills each week. For example, one week you can cover breathing, and practice putting your faces in the water. The next week you can practice floating. One week can be spent perfecting the backstroke. Show your child how to do each move, and practice alongside her. Don't become frustrated if she forgets how to perform a certain task; instead, patiently demonstrate it again.

Confidence

It is natural for children to be uncomfortable demonstrating a new skill, especially they haven't yet mastered it. Remind your child that you are proud of him for trying, and that with practice he will become a strong swimmer. Practice swimming with your child to help improve his swimming technique and to improve his self-confidence. Commend your child when he does a good job, and praise him generously.

Homework

Talk about swimming even when you are not around water. Read books with your child about swimming, or watch a movie about it. Talk to your child about different skills you will learn together, and answer any questions she has.

Apparel

Perhaps one of the most important things to remember is to dress your child appropriately before you swim. Young children who are not yet potty-trained should wear a swim diaper beneath their swimming suit. Older children should wear bathing suits that are not loose and that will stay in place for the duration of their swim.

References

• The School Run: Teaching a Child to Swim
• Parents: Teach Your Child to Swim
• University of Florida: Ages 4 and Older--teaching children to swim