Water Babies!
There are lots of opportunities to prepare your little one for water confidence. Why not try some of the ideas below to encourage water fun and movement?
Always make sure your child feels safe and secure, so that it is a relaxed and fun experience and never leave your child alone in water
To begin with, bath and shower together as this will reassure them and give them confidence to explore and get moving.
Water play in the bath is a fun way to gain water confidence. Try encouraging floating once your little one has strong head and neck muscles. Supporting the head, allow free kicks so they get used to how the body feels in water. This can apply to any age.
Use a swimming pool in the garden as the next step. Use swim safety devices, like a pool noodle and bath toys. Encourage tummy time in the water once they are confident and have developed a strong core, neck and head muscles to keep their face out of the water.
For older children, practice physical movement in readiness for the side of the pool by encouraging them to jump from the bottom step of the stairs. Place their toes on the edge of the step, then try performing different shapes as they jump.
