The secret to early water comfort is keeping the experience light and enjoyable. Through simple, imaginative games, children can gradually build foundational swim skills while having fun alongside their parents.
Many young children instinctively keep their heads above water, making them hesitant to get too close to the surface. Using a ping pong ball or small floating toy, show your child how to blow the toy across the pool. Then take turns. This playful activity encourages children to bring their faces closer to the water in a gentle, non-intimidating way.
Once your child is comfortable near the surface, it’s time to introduce bubble-blowing. Turn it into a game by making loud, rumbling “tractor noises” with your lips in the water. Then show them how to make even more bubbles by blowing air out of their nose. This promotes breath control, a key early swim skill.
Transition familiar bath-time comfort into the pool. Encourage your child to splash water onto their face or use toys to gently pour water over their head. This fun “face-washing” game helps them get used to water running over their eyes, nose, and mouth; reducing anxiety and building confidence.
For this playful activity, pretend your child’s arms are snapping crocodile jaws. As you “cruise” along the surface, gently dip lower into the water from time to time. Move slowly, and always at your child’s pace, to help them grow more comfortable with gradual submersion.
Whether pretending to be a bunny or a kangaroo, this simple bouncing motion helps establish predictable rhythm and timing. As your child gets more comfortable, you can slowly bounce lower and eventually beneath the water, helping them anticipate and adjust to brief submersion.
At Premier Aquatic Services, our instructors are trained to help swimmers of all ages develop confidence, comfort, and a lifelong love of the water. Whether your child is learning foundational skills or refining advanced techniques, our team is here to support them every step of the way.
