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Swim On: Why Little Ones Need to Keep Going

Reading time: 2 minutes

Our Swim School Team have put together a few basic tips you and your child might find helpful as they progress their journey to becoming a competent swimmer.

Facilitate building trust

Children often do not know their instructor and trust is a huge part of teaching swimming. Before each lesson and in between lessons talk about the instructor using their name so the children are mentally prepared and make a big display of yourself meeting the instructor so that the children can see you trust them as well.

 

Not sure about wearing goggles

Some children really don’t like putting their googles on and using them, especially the little ones. A good tip is to let them play with them at home in the shower and bath.

Get that Streamline

The best position for moving through water is a straight line along the surface of the pool. For some kids this is a challenge but practice pretending to be an arrow or a rocket ship so that fingers part the water and keep head in line with body. 

Streamline position  - We do this with all levels starting with our toddlers by doing motor boats with them in the water. Arms stretched out in front or holding a board. Kicking legs with face in the water blowing bubbles to make motorboat noises. 

Pull - Breathe - Kick - Glide

Breaststroke can be tricky! Fix your breaststroke timing by getting the 'pull, breathe, kick, glide' sequence just right for a smooth and efficient swimming stroke.

  1. Pull with arms
  2. Breathe in
  3. Kick with legs 
  4. Glide for 3 seconds

Keep it positive 

Always talk about the positive things a child can do while swimming and only focus on that. It will build the child’s confidence, it feels good and distracts them from the things they do not like to do. 

For babies and toddlers, swimming lessons are more than just a splash in the pool—they’re a powerful tool for early development, confidence-building, and water safety. While it might seem harmless to pause lessons during the cooler months or busy family periods, maintaining a consistent swim routine can make a world of difference in a young child’s progress.

In the early years, children are constantly learning and adapting. Swimming introduces them to new environments, helps them build trust with instructors, and encourages physical coordination. These lessons are often a child’s first structured activity, and the familiarity of weekly sessions helps them feel secure and supported. When lessons are paused, even for a few weeks, it can feel like a long time to a young child. That gap can lead to hesitation, regression in skills, or a loss of confidence, especially for those still adjusting to the water.

Ongoing swim lessons also play a key role in physical development. Swimming strengthens growing muscles, improves balance and coordination, and supports cardiovascular health, all in a gentle, low-impact way that’s perfect for little bodies. And because it’s fun, children are more likely to stay engaged and active.

Routine is another major benefit. Young children thrive on consistency, and regular swim sessions provide a predictable rhythm that supports emotional and behavioural growth. Our swim school offers flexible options, such as the ability to pause lessons for holidays, making it easier for families to stay committed without losing momentum.

Perhaps most importantly, swimming is a life-saving skill. As children grow and spend more time around water, whether at the beach, pool, or on holiday, having strong, retained swimming skills can significantly reduce the risk of drowning. Continuous lessons help reinforce those skills and ensure they’re ready when it matters most.

In short, swimming isn’t just a seasonal activity, it’s a year-round investment in your child’s safety, development, and confidence. Keeping them in the water consistently helps them grow stronger, braver, and more capable with every splash.

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