From Holding On to Letting Go: Supporting Young Swimmers as They Take the Plunge

Every child is different, and that’s especially true when it comes to swimming lessons. Some of our little Seahorses take to the water like fish (or a seahorse), while others need a bit more time to feel comfortable.

For the tentative, nervous child—the one who clings to Mum or Dad and hesitates to dip their toes in—the pool can feel like a big, overwhelming place. And that’s okay. At Kapiti Learn to Swim, we understand that fear and discomfort are not conducive to a healthy learning environment. Our goal is to help every child build confidence at their own pace, in a way that feels safe, fun, and empowering.

Why some children may feel nervous:

There are so many reasons a little swimmer might be hesitant. It could be sensory overload, separation anxiety, or simply the newness of the experience. For some, the fear of submerging their head or losing control in the water can feel overwhelming. So, it’s safe to say swimming lessons often come with big emotions.

At this age, swimming should be about building confidence and having fun—not about pushing a child to the point of fear. If a child is scared (which is 100% normal), they won’t learn, and you risk creating a lifelong aversion to the water. That’s why our approach is rooted in patience, kindness, and a deep understanding of each child’s unique needs.

Our Approach: Building Comfort and Confidence

Here’s how we help nervous swimmers take those first steps:

-Building a strong relationship between teacher and your child develops trust and a sense of belonging in your child. At Kapiti learn to swim we value the importance of attachment and trust over everything else, once a strong emotional relationship is formed swimming skills can be applied. Through, gently, nurturing and intentional practice's our teachers will be working strongly on relationship building in the early day's weeks and years of your child's swimming journey with us

· Take the pressure off:

If a child is scared, we don’t force them to do anything they’re not ready for. No front floats, no back kicks, no submersion—unless they’re comfortable. For some children this means you, the parent/caregiver, get into the pool with your child for a couple of lessons. Gradually, you’ll fade to the background, and before you know it, the child will feel safe and confident enough to continue lessons with you watching from the poolside. The goal here is to make the water feel fun, not frightening.

· Repetition and consistency:

Repetition and consistency can be quite calming and reassuring to a child. If children know what is coming, they will fear it less, that’s why we follow a consistent sequence in our lessons. Familiarity helps reduce anxiety and allows children to focus on enjoying the water. Foster

· Positive associations:

We praise every effort, no matter how small. Whether it’s dipping their chin in the water or blow little bubbles, we celebrate every milestone. We also encourage parents to create positive associations outside of lessons—like fun pool trips where there’s no pressure to perform.

· Be Patient:

Progress takes time, and that’s okay. One day, a child might refuse to put their face in the water, and the next, they might surprise everyone by blowing bubbles with a big smile.

· Empower the child:

Children thrive when they feel a sense of agency. By allowing them to choose the colour of their kick board or noodle, or to suggest actions for a song, will help them feel more in control. When a child says, “I’m scared,” or “I don’t want to,” we listen. Acknowledging their feelings and working within their comfort zone helps build trust and shows them that their voice matters.

· Respect the child’s boundaries

We never force a child to do something they’re not ready for. Instead, we gently encourage them to try new things at their own pace. If they’re not comfortable putting their face in the water today, that’s okay—we’ll try again tomorrow.

Tips for Parents:

If your child is nervous about swimming, here are a few things you can do to help:

· Talk to the instructor/receptionist: Let them know about your child’s fears or preferences.

· Make water time fun: Play games in the water, sing songs, read stories, go on water adventures.

· Build a routine: Create a predictable pre-swim routine to provide stability and a sense of control, as well as promote a positive mindset.

· Use positive language: Instead of saying, “She’s scared of the water,” try, “We’re taking it slow, but we’re getting there.” Your words and beliefs shape your child’s experience.

· Although having fun is important at this age, help your child understand the importance of water safety.

At Kapiti Learn to Swim we believe every child has the potential to become a confident, happy swimmer. It might start with a few nervous tears, but with patience, encouragement, and a whole lot of fun, those first tentative little steps will turn into big splashes and lots of fun. Every child deserves to feel safe, empowered, and excited about their time in the water.

So, if your little one is ready to take their first splash (or if they just need a little extra support to get started), we’d love to welcome them to our swimming family.

Contact us today to learn more about our classes!