Swimming can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be scary and intimidating for some children. Most children are familiar with a bathtub, but switching from a bathtub to a large pool or natural body of water can be overwhelming. Many may be too frightened or reluctant to even go in the water. Helping children overcome their fear of the water and to try swimming is something we often face at camp. There are a few simple steps to help children get comfortable in the water.
At camp, we follow four steps to help a reluctant swimmer. First, we allow the child to observe both the water and other children in the water. Next, we reassure the child to make sure they feel safe and comfortable. Then we use words of encouragement to convince the child that they will remain safe both in and out of the water. Finally, we congratulate them when they make progressive steps. It is important to take everything one step at a time, but combined, this all helps young swimmers grow in confidence.
Sometimes, the child may feel better if they simply watch the pool and see what others are doing. Once they do that, they might feel comfortable enough to take the next step, which would be to sit on the edge of the pool with their feet in the water. A fun way to help children gain confidence in the water is to have them kick their feet and splash. Since role modeling is the most effective way for children to learn, it’s important to stay with the child and put your feet in the water as well so the child can follow your lead.
It’s important to reassure children that you will hold them while they are in the water until they are ready to let go. It’s also helpful for children to see that you can touch the bottom. Every time they complete a step, it’s important to congratulate the children so they feel comfortable in the water.
Using floating toys like rubber ducks or kickboards can be added as positive reinforcement if a child is still nervous about going completely underwater. Sometimes, it helps to find out specifically what the child is afraid of and addressing it directly. It might help a child overcome their fear to hear it said out loud. For example, if the child is afraid of putting their head underwater, it might be good to say something like, “I see you are feeling afraid of putting your head underwater, but I would like you to try holding onto the edge of the pool.” When the child is ready, you can help them slide into the pool and hold them so they feel safe and secure. Do not surprise them by submerging them in the water with you as you hold them, even if it’s just a quick bob. This may do more harm than good, as it may increase their fear and make them more reluctant to go in the water.
Going step-by-step to get children comfortable with putting their heads under water helps by using techniques like, “listening to the fish,” which teaches children to put their ears in the water. Similarly, asking children to “talk to the fish” by blowing bubbles in the water encourages them to put their mouth and nose in the water. It’s a really big step for children to submerge their face, so don’t rush through these all at once.
Children often like to find diving rings or toys at the bottom of the pool. This encourages them to go completely underwater to collect them. Once they master this, it’s important to talk to them about water safety and the importance of waiting for adult supervision before entering the water. Using these steps and remaining patient and supportive will help children feel comfortable and know how to be safe in the water.
