Comments on: How to Teach a Child the Back Float

on 6/10/2007 eHow Friend has it exactly right: head all the way back, tummy up. I always tell them that they should put their heads as far back as possible.

If the child is a little bit older (six/seven or older), I have them watch me float and say to them "see how easily I'm floating, and my head is all the way back. Now all that I'm going to do is put my head forward, and watch what happens." Then, I put my chin to my chest and fold up my body so that I sink. It makes the point.

on 6/30/2006 The children that I teach swimming lessons to on a regular basis have trouble looking up toward the sky. They feel they are going to fall backward underneath the water. Place the child's head on your shoulders, supporting their middle back with your hands. This provides the child the comfort of knowing they won't tip back, however it does not allow them to fully float on their own. Place an interesting object on the ceiling or within reach, blow bubbles and ask the child to look up or back for them. Count as they float on their backs.

on 1/25/2006 One thing I always emphasize when teaching this skill is - head back, tummy up. Tell the kids to make sure their bellybutton stays at the surface, and have them look at the sky. This helps keep the flat body position that prevents the lower body from sinking.

on 11/22/2005 To get the children to relax, tell them it's like trying to fall asleep at night. Real relaxed and very calm. Support them at first and slowly take hands way!

on 11/22/2005 When you are trying to get your child to relax in a backfloat try singing a song to them, chanting a nursery rhyme, or having them count with you. Pick a number that your child can count to successfully, like 10 or 20.

on 11/22/2005 Instead of holding your child's neck and lower back have your child put his or her head on your shoulder. This will enable both you and your child to feel closer and more secure in the backfloat.