Developmental Milestones-and why plateaus are important

As parents/caregivers, we often expect our swimmer’s progress to look like a straight

line: one new skill after another, each lesson better than the last. But learning doesn’t

actually work that way.

In swimming (and in life in general), progress is much rather a curved line with ups

and downs and with plateaus in between. Understanding these developmental

milestones, especially when your swimmer seems “stuck”, is key to supporting them

through a seemingly difficult time. And here’s the good news: Plateaus are not

failures, they’re times of processing.

When your swimmer hits a plateau, their brain and body are often doing some heavy

behind-the-scenes work. They are busy integrating multiple skills at once for

instance breathing + kicking + arms - that’s a lot! They’re building neural pathways

and muscle memory, they’re working on emotional regulation and how to cope with

challenge and frustration. This could look like sitting and watching by the pool while developing confidence, connection, and safety in their new preschool class environment.

So, learning is still happening, it’s just not as visible as we as adults want it to be.

Swimming is a complex skill to learn, ask any adult-onset swimmer. Your child is

doing amazing and needs your continuous support especially during a plateau.

Plateaus aren’t just about technique either. Many, if not all swimmers, reach

emotional plateaus as well since emotional milestones are part of the learning to

swim process. Emotional milestones include letting go of fear, learning to trust a new

teacher, learning patience, building resilience, and gaining independence.

Sometimes a swimmer needs time to feel safe before they can move forward. That

emotional groundwork is just as important as the technical work.

How can we support our swimmers during plateaus?

As teachers, we see this process as a normal and important part of learning. We

break skills into smaller steps, we celebrate effort not just outcomes, we adjust

lessons to meet swimmers where they are, we create a calm and encouraging

environment.

What parents/caregivers can do during this time: trust in the process, celebrate

consistency and courage, keep routine steady, avoid comparing your swimmer to

other swimmers and keep being the awesome parent that you are.

Developmental plateaus are not red flags or roadblocks, they’re rest stops. They give

your swimmer time to absorb, adapt, and prepare for their next leap forward. With

patience, encouragement, and the right support, progress always resumes.

Babies (6 months – 2 years): Comfort, Bonding & Water Introduction

At this age, swim time is all about comfort and connection. Milestones often include:

• Getting comfortable in the water with a trusted adult

• Splashing, playing, and kicking with assistance

• Learning basic cues like blowing bubbles and gentle submersion

• Floating on their back with help

  
  

Goal: Build a positive relationship with water and establish trust.

Toddlers (2 – 3 years): Independence & Water Exploration

Toddlers begin developing more independence and body awareness.You might see progress like:

• Floating or gliding with minimal support

• Holding breath and dipping their face in the water

• Kicking on a kickboard or with a noodle

• Entering and exiting the pool safely on their own

  
  

Goal: Increase water comfort while introducing basic water safety behaviors.

Preschoolers (3 – 5 years): Basic Skills & Safety Awareness

At this stage, kids start developing foundational swim skills and self-rescue techniques.Common milestones include:

• Floating on front and back unassisted

• Jumping in and returning to the wall

• Streamlining off the wall

• Independent swimming for short distances

  
  

Goal: Encourage safety awareness and prepare for stroke readiness.

Early School Age (6 – 9 years): Stroke Development & Endurance

These years are exciting! Kids develop more advanced stroke technique and water confidence. They may work on:

• Freestyle with side breathing

• Backstroke and elementary backstroke

• Breaststroke and dolphin kick introductions

• Treading water for longer durations

  
  

Goal: Build solid swimming technique and strengthen endurance

Swimming development is a gradual, age-based journey that unfolds uniquely for every child. While progress may vary from one child to another, what remains essential is pairing their pace with expert instruction and a supportive learning environment. This is where structured, progressive programs make a meaningful impact.

By enrolling your child in well-designed Kapiti Learn to Swim, such as those offered at our swim school, you ensure they receive age-appropriate guidance, consistent encouragement, and the necessary tools to thrive in the water. Start your child’s swimming journey with us today and help them grow into a strong, confident swimmer—one milestone at a time.