How to Have Proper Body Swimming Position

Teaching a child to swim involves showing her how to correctly position her body and helping her become comfortable and unafraid in the water. Using hands-on positioning techniques while swimming with children provides them instruction as well as reassurance. Many children take to the water naturally at an early age and teaching them how to properly position their body gives them the knowledge they need to progress further and become a better swimmer.

Things You'll Need

  • Pool
  • Bathing suits
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Instructions

    • 1

      Enter the water with the child and slowly move away from the steps. If the child is nervous, reassure his fears by remaining close to the steps of the pool and keeping a hand on him at all times.

    • 2

      Face the steps of the pool and stand just a few feet away. Bend your knees so you are even with the child's height and gently hold his cheeks next to yours. Put your arm around the child and instruct him to stretch his arms out. Push off with your feet and glide with the child toward the steps. Encourage the child to put his face in the water as he learns to glide.

    • 3

      Show the child how to properly position his body by holding him in the correct position then allowing him to glide toward the steps. Place your left hand underneath him, around his left shoulder and move your right arm over his legs, cupping his right leg with your hand. Position him correctly and slowly release him as he moves toward the steps.

    • 4

      Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the child feels comfortable gliding by herself. After you have practiced with her, teach her how to push off your knees with her feet, allowing her to glide on her own toward the steps. Instruct her to stretch her arms out in front of her and keep her head down.

    • 5

      Direct the child to glide toward the wall instead of the steps. When he reaches the wall, encourage him to turn around, face you and push off the wall with his feet to glide back to you. Focus on the position of the child's body while he is gliding and correct him if necessary.