Step 10 Superman Float

Floating is the base for all learn-to-swim skills. 💦

In Step 10 of our Teaching Kids to Swim series, we continue developing one of the most important foundations of swimming — the Superman Float. 🦸

Before children can become confident independent swimmers, they need to learn how their body floats, balances and moves through the water. Developing a strong floating position creates the foundation we can later build on as we introduce kicking, propulsion, arms and eventually freestyle.

Practise, practise, practise!

Floating isn't a skill that needs to be rushed. Lots of repetition is important. Give your child plenty of opportunities to practise their Superman Float and become comfortable maintaining their body position in the water.

Encourage your child to:

🦸 Extend their arms out wide like Superman
💦 Keep their face comfortably in the water
⚖️ Use their arms to help maintain balance
⭐ Relax and allow the water to support their body
🔢 Gradually increase how long they can comfortably float
⬆️ Pull their arms back and recover when they need to breathe

The aim at this stage isn't to see how quickly you can progress to swimming. It's about laying a strong foundation.

When children are confident and balanced in their floating position, it becomes much easier to introduce the skills that come next. Take your time, repeat the activity often and allow your child to become really comfortable with floating before moving on.

Floating is the basis of all learn to swim — so spend plenty of time developing this important skill.

For families with a home swimming pool or access to a swimming pool, these simple progressions can be practised regularly to help children build confidence and develop their swimming skills.

▶️ Watch the next video in the playlist to see how we build on the Superman Float and continue the progression towards independent swimming and freestyle.

⚠️ Water Safety: Children must always be actively supervised and within close reach of a responsible adult around water. Keep activities appropriate to your child's ability and never force a child to remain underwater or hold their breath. These videos support swimming practice and are not a replacement for professional swimming lessons.