How to Teach Swimming to Children

Swimming is one of the most important things you can teach your child. It can save his or her life in the event the child falls in a pool or lake. Swimming can also be a valuable way to bond with your children.

Things You'll Need

  • Swimming pool
  • Floating devices
  • Life jackets
  • Whistle
Show More

Instructions

  1. Introduction to the Water

    • 1

      Lay out the ground rules for the children. Tell them they must wear flotation devices before they enter the pool, that there is to be no splashing or horseplay, and that they must follow instructions or they will be ejected from the pool. And, most importantly, make sure they know that when the whistle sounds, it means stop what you are doing and get to the side of the pool or steps immediately to listen for direction.

      Children should be at least 4 years old before they learn how to swim, according to The American Association of Pediatrics. Others will say that children are able to learn how to swim before they walk. It is up to the parent to decide if the child is ready to swim.

    • 2

      Put life jackets or flotation devices on all the children. Have them use the steps to enter the pool at the shallow end. Let them get accustomed to the water. Have them practice lifting up their feet, going under so their bottoms touch the bottom of the pool and then standing up again.

      The first thing that children are scared of is going under water. Try to encourage them to practice putting their head under water, so it does not cause them concern later.

    • 3

      While still in the shallow end of the pool, line up the children along one side of the pool. Have them push off the wall and paddle to the other side. Demonstrate the dog paddle first, then move on to other strokes. It is important that the child be able to keep himself or herself above water first before teaching the basics of proper swimming strokes. Have them practice in the shallow end for as long as necessary.

    • 4

      Once they have mastered the dog paddle, demonstrate other strokes and slowly move them out into deeper water so they can get used to swimming without being able to touch the bottom of the pool. Instruct them to stay clear of other swimmers, and if they get scared or tired, tell them to paddle to the side and hold on. It can take years for a child to master the various swimming strokes, so the most important part is helping them gain confidence in the water. Every child should know at least the basic dog paddle so that if they are ever in a situation where they are struggling in the water, they will be able to paddle themselves out.