Learn 2 Swim

Safety Tip

Look before you leap! --Always be aware of where you're swimming.

The techniques that are used to teach your child to swim may be uncomfortable for you and your child. Take your time with each step, when your child is comfortable at one level you can begin introducing new skills.

Techniques - Methods Used to Teach You

Techniques vary among instructors. Yet, the goals at each stage in the development of your child's swimming are very similar. The main goal of most instructors is to build confidence and security for you and your child. After they are introduced to the water they can begin to build on each stage of their development. This will hopefully allow them to become stronger and more confident swimmers in the future. Keep in mind that every child is different, and some learn more quickly than others.

Beginning at 6 months to 10 months your child will begin to:

  • Hold breath when underwater. Blowing in your child's face before submerging them as well as counting cues help when learning to hold breath under the water.
  • Swim between two adults for up to five seconds underwater.
  • Reach for side of wall and jump or slide from sitting position.

    • At 19 months to 24 months your child will begin to:

  • Jump off of the side.
  • Turn around and swim back to the wall.
  • Improve kicks and become stronger.

    • Starting at 28 months and leading up to 4 years your child will begin and refine the following skills:

  • Pick head up for breath while swimming between two adults.
  • Begin to back float on their own.
  • Flip from front to back and vice versa. Using counting cues also helps when your child is developing this skill. Most children up to 3 and even older are not comfortable on their back.

    • Many of the classes and programs that you will research are not designed to teach your child how to swim by themselves or survive on their own in the water. They are designed to acquaint you and your child with water exploration and introduction to new skills that they will utilize when continuing to learn how to swim.