Parent-Tot Swimming Lesson Activities and Drills

Swimming is a skill all children should learn, not only to promote good health, but to safeguard them against drowning. Among children ages 1 to 4, drowning is the leading cause of injury death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So spending time at the pool with your tot can mean more than fun in the sun. Work together on some basic swimming skills and it can be a lifesaver, too.

  1. Blow Bubbles

    • Children need to learn how to manage their breathing underwater by either holding their breath or blowing air out so they're not swallowing water while swimming. Have your child take a deep breath and put his mouth underwater, then blow air out to form bubbles until he runs out of air. Begin by encouraging your child to place only his mouth underwater, rather than his whole face. Allow him to get comfortable in the water before encouraging him to submerge his face.

    Wallflower

    • When toddlers first begin learning to swim, they will be more comfortable hanging onto the wall than floating in the middle of a wide open pool. Have them grab the edge of the pool with their fingertips while kicking their feet rapidly. It's a basic exercise that builds skills in the water but doesn't overwhelm toddlers with trying to learn too many things at once. Hold onto the side of the pool and kick next to your child so he can mimic your actions. The activity also will help him to get used to being weightless in the water.

    Humpty Dumpty

    • Humpty Dumpty had a great fall in the nursery rhyme, but you can encourage your child to jump instead of fall into the water. Tell your child to sit on the edge of the pool, then stand in front of him with your arms wide open. Hold him around his middle and recite the "Humpty Dumpty" rhyme. When you get to the line when he had a great fall, encourage your child to slide into the water while you hold him. As he builds confidence in himself and gets more comfortable in the water, he'll slide in on his own without requiring you to hold him.

    Safety Considerations

    • Take a class with a certified swimming instructor who specializes in working with young children. Always keep your toddler within arm's reach of you, even if you're confident in his abilities. It only takes a few seconds for him to slip underwater. Toddlers are more comfortable around their parents and will be more open to learning new skills while they're around. Even if your tot has learned how to handle himself in the water, never leave him unattended near any body of water or in the care of a young sibling.