Pre-Swim Prep: The Essential Skills to Practice with Your Child Before Lessons
- Alex Tam
- Dec 15, 2025
- 3 min read
Getting your child ready for swimming classes can feel overwhelming. Many parents worry about how to help their little ones feel comfortable in the water and develop the skills they need to succeed. The good news is that with the right approach, you can prepare your child in a way that builds confidence, reduces fear, and sets them up for steady progress.
This guide focuses on practical steps parents can take at home or in the pool before formal lessons begin. By focusing on breath control, water comfort, floating, and kicking, you will help your child develop a strong foundation for swimming. Let’s explore how to make this preparation both fun and effective.
Teaching Breath Control with Bubble Blowing
One of the biggest challenges for young swimmers is learning to manage their breathing underwater. Teaching your child to blow bubbles is a simple and effective way to introduce breath regulation.
Start by encouraging your child to blow bubbles while their face is in the water. This helps them get used to exhaling underwater and reduces the chance of swallowing pool water.
Explain why blowing bubbles is important. Tell your child that blowing bubbles pushes the water away from their mouth and nose, so they don’t accidentally drink the water.
Practice regularly in a shallow area. Use games like “bubble blowing contests” to make it enjoyable.
Progress to submerging their face while blowing bubbles. This step builds comfort with having their face underwater and controlling their breath.
Remind your child gently not to drink the pool water. This can be a common fear or discomfort for kids, but by focusing on blowing bubbles, they learn a natural way to avoid swallowing water.
Building Comfort with Floating on Both Sides
Floating is a key skill that gives children control and confidence in the water. Teaching your child to float on their back and front helps them feel safe and balanced.
Start with back floating. Support your child gently under their back and encourage them to relax. Praise their effort to stay still and calm.
Introduce front floating. Use a kickboard or hold their chest lightly as they learn to balance face down.
Switch sides regularly. Being able to float on both sides gives your child more control and helps them adjust to different swimming positions.
Use positive reinforcement. Celebrate small successes like holding a float for a few seconds or relaxing in the water.
Floating helps children understand that water can support them. This feeling of safety reduces fear and builds trust in their own abilities.
Developing a Strong Kick Step by Step
Kicking is the engine that propels swimmers forward. Helping your child develop a strong, steady kick will make swimming easier and more enjoyable.
Begin with simple leg exercises out of the water. Show your child how to kick from the hips with straight legs and pointed toes.
Practice kicking while holding onto the pool edge or a kickboard. This lets your child focus on leg movement without worrying about staying afloat.
Encourage kicking over short distances. Gradually increase the distance as your child gains strength and confidence.
Make kicking fun. Use games like “kick races” or “kick to the toy” to keep your child motivated.
Strong kicking helps children move efficiently in the water and supports their overall swimming technique.
Encouraging Effort Over Results
Swimming is a skill that develops over time. It’s important to focus on your child’s effort rather than immediate success.
Praise attempts and progress, not just achievements. For example, say “I love how hard you tried to blow bubbles today” instead of “You did it perfectly.”
Be patient and consistent. Some children take longer to feel comfortable in the water, and that’s okay.
Avoid pressure or comparisons. Every child learns at their own pace.
Celebrate small wins. Even a few seconds of floating or a few kicks are steps forward.
This approach builds your child’s confidence and encourages them to keep improving without fear of failure.
Preparing for Introductory Swimming Classes
By focusing on breath control, floating, and kicking, you give your child a strong foundation for swimming lessons.
Children who can blow bubbles and submerge their face feel less scared in class.
Floating skills help them relax and trust the water.
A strong kick makes moving through the water easier and more fun.
When your child starts formal lessons, they will be ready to learn new strokes and techniques with confidence.
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