How to Improve Swimming Skills for Kids

Teaching children how to swim is vital. Giving children the ability to feel at home in the water will give them a lifetime of enjoyment. When you're trying to teach kids to swim or improve their skills in the water, the best thing to do is to stay calm and project an air of confidence so your students will be able to eliminate the fear factor.

Things You'll Need

  • Flotation vest
  • Kickboard
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get your students in the pool. For those who haven't been in the water, have them wear a flotation vest for security. Once in the pool, get them familiar with the feel of the water by having them run in shallow water. They will notice the resistance of the water, and running in it will give them confidence.

    • 2

      Teach the students how to kick properly by having them grasp the edge of the pool and extend their feet. The kick will provide the primary piece of propulsion through the water. Their feet should be extended toward the other end of the pool and the knees should be straight.

    • 3

      Give a kickboard to each of your students. Now that they have practiced kicking on the side of the pool, it's time to have them start moving through the water as a result of their kicking. Have them hold on to the board to stay above the water. The kicking should propel them from one side of the pool to the other.

    • 4

      Teach arm stroke and breathing technique, which are connected when swimming freestlyle. Get in the water and demonstrate the arm-over-arm stroke, turning your head to the left and breathing when you pull your left arm through the water and putting your head back in the water as your arm enters the water. Left-handed swimmers may want to do their breathing on the right side. There is no right or wrong way; it's personal preference. Have the swimmers practice this stroke in shallow water so you can make corrections without putting them at risk.

    • 5

      Have your swimmers put the kicking and the arm stroke together. Now that they have been taught the kicking, the arm stroke and the breathing techniques, your students should have the basic skills needed to swim proficiently.