What this swimming skill is
Everyone gets out of breath in the water sometimes, after a fast swim, a long swim, or a fright. This skill is about getting the breathing back under control while staying afloat. Your child learns to slow the breath out, let the breath in follow, and relax.
It builds on a steady breathing rhythm and on floating on the back. Your child practises it while floating, and while treading water, which means staying upright in one place with the head up. Next comes breathing to the side in front crawl.
Why it matters
Staying calm when tired.
Getting out of breath can feel scary. Knowing how to settle it keeps a small wobble from turning into panic.
A way to rest without the wall.
Your child learns they can pause and settle in the water, then swim on or head to the edge.
Clearer thinking.
A calm swimmer makes better choices about where to go next.
Longer, happier swims.
Swimmers who can settle their breathing as they go enjoy the water more and tire less.
Who it is for
This suits children, teens, adults and seniors who can already breathe in a rhythm and float on their back. Children learn it as a simple routine: swim, roll over, float, breathe. Your child is ready when they can float on the back with a little help and breathe steadily at the wall. If you are learning as an adult, it is especially helpful if getting out of breath makes you anxious. Your instructor talks it through and practises it with you step by step.
