Step 11 Back Floating

Learning to back float is an important part of developing a child's confidence, balance and relaxation in the water. 💦

In Step 11 of our Teaching Kids to Swim series, we introduce back floating progressively, giving children time to become comfortable with a very different position in the water.

For many children, floating on their back can initially feel unfamiliar. Water around the ears, looking upwards and not being able to see what's behind them can take some getting used to. Don't rush this skill.

Start in shallow water

Shallow water is a great place to introduce the back float. Encourage your child to lie back, relax and experience the feeling of the water supporting their body while still having the security of being in shallow water.

As their confidence develops, gradually progress into deeper water with parental support.

💦 Start in shallow water – let your child lie back and become comfortable with the floating position
👂 Get comfortable with water around the ears – this can take time and lots of repetition
😊 Encourage relaxation – keep the experience calm, happy and positive
🤗 Use your shoulder for support – in deeper water, allow your child to rest their head back on your shoulder so they feel safe and secure
⭐ Gradually reduce support – as they become more relaxed and balanced, allow them to experience more of the float themselves
👣 Teach recovery – encourage your child to look towards their toes as they bring themselves back into an upright position
👏 Use lots of positive reinforcement – celebrate their attempts and progress, even if the float only lasts a few seconds

Back floating is a skill that can take time. Some children will relax immediately, while others may need many sessions before they are comfortable putting their head back and allowing water to cover their ears.

Take your time and follow your child's cues. We want children to associate floating with feeling relaxed, confident and in control — not something they are forced to do.

Lots of positive experiences and repetition will help build this skill.

For families with a home swimming pool or access to a swimming pool, practise back floating regularly alongside the other skills in this series to continue building strong learn-to-swim foundations.

▶️ 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. Never force a child onto their back or hold them in a floating position if they are uncomfortable. These videos support swimming practice and are not a replacement for professional swimming lessons.