10 Ways To Practice Between Lessons

We all know how busy family life can be, and fitting in a weekly swim lesson is

already a commitment. In reality, though, one 25- or 30-minute lesson a week isn’t

enough for most children to make consistent progress. Learning to swim is a skill,

and just like learning to play an instrument, ride a bike or skateboard, children need

opportunities to practise between lessons for those skills to become comfortable and

automatic.

This doesn’t mean you have to turn every pool visit into another swimming lesson, in

fact, it shouldn’t feel like a swim lesson at all, or even like “homework" or practice.

The trick is to keep it fun by shifting the focus to play-based interaction, and chances

are you’re doing it already!

Here are 10 fun ways to practice swimming skills between lessons:

1. Let them play!

As mentioned before, we want to keep it fun. Let them splash, jump, explore

and have fun. Being comfortable and confident in the water are important

skills. Young children love pretend games! Lean into that by playing an animal

movement game for instance. Take turns to pick an animal and move like that

animal through the water.

2. Bathtime

Bathtime is the ideal practice pool for babies and toddlers. You can start with

simple things like blowing bubbles, gently pouring water over their head with a

small cup, putting an ear in the water, or encouraging them to bring their face

closer to the surface, maybe give the water a kiss. Keep it playful, take your

cues from your child, and never force them to do something they’re not ready

for. Most importantly, make sure everything you need is within arm’s reach so

you never leave your child alone in or near the water, even for a moment.

3. Floating

Floating is a life saving skill and one of the most important fundamental

skills.Together you and your child can invent fun floating games. For instance,

your child can pretend they're a passenger boat for ducks (or whatever floaty

toys you have). Put a duck on their tummy and let them float. Give full support

until they’re comfortable and let you know that they are ready to try floating

with less support.

4. Blow bubbles

Blowing bubbles may seem simple, but it can be hard too! Luckily, it’s easy to

keep it fun! Blow bubbles for the fish, or see who can blow the biggest or

smallest bubbles, give the water a kiss, make a bubble volcano, or try blowing

a ping-pong ball across the water. The more fun it is, the more likely they are

to keep trying.

5. Use toys to encourage movement

This is especially helpful for our youngest swimmers. Place a floating toy just

outside their reach and let them discover what happens to it if they splash

their hands. Does the toy move further away? Encourage them to reach for

the toy. It’s a simple, fun way to build confidence in the water while helping

develop those early swimming movements.

6. Kicking

Who can kick super-fast? Super-slow? Like a dolphin? Like a robot? You can

turn a kickboard into a “boat” by placing a favourite toy on top, then set off on

an adventure to a chosen destination. Maybe you’re sailing to the other side

of the pool, rescuing a toy! Keep changing the game to keep them engaged

while they practise kicking without even realising it.

7. Under water magic

Who doesn’t love going on an adventure? Join forces and go on an

underwater treasure hunt (sinky toys), embark on rescue missions, or explore

underwater sounds.

8. Let them teach you

Children love being the teacher. Let them teach you how to do “long dog”, the

correct arm position for rocket arms (streamline), or their favourite activity

from swim lessons. Of course you’re going to get some things wrong, let them

correct you.

9. Safe entries and exits

Practise getting in and out of the water safely every time. Encourage your

child to use the steps, ladder or pool edge rather than simply jumping in. This

is such an important water safety skill. “Can you show me your safe way in?”

“Can you climb out all by yourself?”

10.Family games

Maybe you already have a favourite family water game, or maybe you can

invent one together. You might be surprised by how many swimming and

water safety skills get practiced while everybody is having an absolute blast!

We wish you and your family many happy, safe water adventures!