Step 4 Entry into Water from shallow edge

Learning to enter deeper water should happen when your child feels ready and confident. 💦

In Step 4 of our Teaching Kids to Swim series, we demonstrate how to progress from playing and moving independently in shallow water to entering deeper water with the support of a parent.

The important difference in this activity is that the child initiates the entry into the water.

Rather than the parent picking the child up and carrying them into deeper water, the parent positions themselves nearby and encourages the child to jump from the shallow edge into their arms. The child then holds onto their parent for reassurance and support.

By allowing the child to initiate the movement, they can feel:

💙 Safe and secure – they know their parent is there to support them
😊 In control – they decide when they are ready to enter the deeper water
💦 Confident – they experience deep water in a positive and supported way
🏊 Independent – they begin making their own decisions about moving through the pool

It can be tempting for parents to simply pick a child up and carry them into deeper water, but the child may not yet feel comfortable or ready. Allowing them to make the transition themselves can help build trust and confidence in the water.

Don't rush the progression. Some children will jump into their parent's arms quickly, while others may need lots of time playing and exploring on the shallow edge first.

For families with a home swimming pool or access to a swimming pool, these simple progressions can help make water familiarisation positive, enjoyable and child-led.

▶️ Watch the next video in the playlist to continue the progression. Follow the complete Teaching Kids to Swim series to see the journey 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. Only practise this activity in an appropriate pool environment and never force or unexpectedly pull a child into deeper water. These videos support swimming practice and are not a replacement for professional swimming lessons.