Step 9 Introducting floating

Floating is the basis of all learn to swim.💦

In Step 9 of our Teaching Kids to Swim series, we introduce floating and show how to help your child develop a relaxed, balanced position in the water.

Before introducing floating, make sure your child is already happy and confident with breath control and submersion. They should be comfortable putting their face underwater and understand how to hold and control their breath.

Start with a wide "Superman” Float 🦸

Begin with your child's arms extended out wide in front, like Superman. A nice wide position can help them find their balance and feel more stable as they learn how their body floats in the water.

Encourage your child to:

🦸 Keep their arms extended and wide for balance
💦 Relax and allow their body to float
👀 Keep their face comfortably in the water
🔢 Start with a short float and gradually try counting up to 5
⚖️ Use their extended arms to help maintain a balanced position
⬆️ Allow them to pull up and recover when they are ready

It is important that children learn that they are in control of their float. Rather than holding them underwater or deciding when the float should finish, give them the opportunity to pull their arms back, lift themselves up and recover when they need to breathe.

Start with very short floats. As your child's confidence, relaxation and breath control improve, gradually work towards holding the float for longer. At this stage, we are looking for a child who is happy, balanced and relaxed in the water.

For families with a home swimming pool or access to a swimming pool, floating is an important skill to practise regularly as your child progresses towards independent swimming.

▶️ Watch the next video in the playlist to continue building on these skills. Follow the complete Teaching Kids to Swim series to see the full progression from water familiarisation through to independent swimming and freestyle.

⚠️ Water Safety: Children must always be actively supervised and within close reach of a responsible adult around water. Keep floating and underwater 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.