Parent and Child: How to Support Your Young Swimmer Between Lessons

Learning to swim is an exciting journey, and as a parent, you play a big role in helping your child feel confident and happy in the water. At SwimExpert, our 1-2-1 private swimming lessons give children the best possible start, but progress doesn’t just happen in the pool—it continues at home too!

Here are some fun and simple ways to support your young swimmer between lessons, helping them build confidence and skills while making a splash together.

1. Make Water Familiar and Fun

Confidence in the water starts with feeling comfortable. If you don’t have access to a pool between lessons, you can still get your child used to water at home:

• Bathtime fun – Let them splash, pour water over their arms and face, and practise blowing bubbles.
• Shower practice – Encourage them to let water run over their head to reduce fear of getting their face wet.
• Water games – Use cups, toys, and gentle splashing to make water a normal and fun experience.

2. Practise Blowing Bubbles

• Blowing bubbles is a great way to introduce breath control and get your child used to putting their face in the water.
• Start by blowing bubbles in a cup of water or the bath.
• Move on to blowing bubbles in the pool, gradually encouraging them to dip their nose and mouth.
• Try “blowing out candles” underwater to help with breath control.

3. Encourage Floating Skills

Floating is a key swimming skill that helps children feel secure in the water.

• In the bath, let them lie back (with support) and feel how water holds them up.
• In the pool, support them under their back or shoulders and encourage them to relax.
• Use phrases like “starfish float” to make it fun!

4. Practise Kicking Techniques

Strong, controlled kicks are essential for swimming. You can help your child improve by practising in different ways:

• In the bath – Encourage small, controlled kicks while sitting.
• At the pool – Hold onto the poolside and practise kicking, or use a float for support.
• Make it fun! – Play “rocket ship,” where they push off the wall and kick to you.

5. Build Confidence Through Play

Children learn best when they’re having fun, so turn swimming practice into a game:

• Treasure Hunt – Drop floating toys in the water for them to “rescue.”
• Jump and Glide – Let them jump in and glide to you.
• Follow the Leader – Take turns practising different moves together.

6. Stay Positive and Encouraging

The most important thing is to keep swimming a positive experience. Celebrate small wins, avoid pressure, and let your child progress at their own pace.

With regular 1-2-1 lessons at SwimExpert and fun practice at home, your little swimmer will be making waves in no time!

Want to boost their progress? Book a private swimming lesson with SwimExpert today!