What this water safety skill is
When someone goes into deep water feet first, they sink for a moment before the water brings them back up. This skill is about that moment. Your child learns to stay calm underwater, look up and use a few gentle movements to reach the surface. Then they breathe and settle on their back, or tread water, which means staying upright with the head out.
It comes after your child is comfortable going underwater and floating on their back. Next they learn to turn and find the nearest wall.
Why it matters
The water helps.
After a feet-first entry, a relaxed body tends to drift back toward the surface. A little help from the arms and legs does the rest.
Calm saves energy.
Thrashing to the surface wastes strength. Gentle, steady movements work better.
Breath first, then a plan.
Once your child is floating and breathing easily, they can think clearly about where to go.
Who it is for
Children, teens and adults who are happy going underwater, can float on their back and can move a short way on their own. Children usually start once they are jumping into deeper water with the instructor. If you are an adult who is nervous about deep water, this is often a turning point, because you feel the water bring you up.
After going in feet first
The goal
Your child goes into deep water feet first, sinks a little, then looks up and comes back to the surface. They take a breath and settle on their back or into a tread.
Why it matters
Those first seconds are the ones that feel scariest. Practising them calmly shows your child they can handle them.
What happens in lessons
Jumping to the instructor.
Your child's first deep entries land right next to the instructor, who helps them up.
Coming up by themselves.
The instructor stays close while your child lets the water lift them and reaches the surface.
Settling for a breath.
Your child rolls onto their back or treads water and breathes calmly for a moment.
Doing it with less help.
Over time your child does the whole thing on their own, with the instructor watching from within reach.
How you can help between lessons
We practise this one in lessons only, with your instructor right there in the water.
Common questions
- What if my child does not come back up on their own?
- The instructor is in the water right beside your child for every deep entry and helps the moment it is needed. Your child starts with jumps into the instructor's arms, so they are never asked to do more than they are ready for.
- Should my child kick hard to get up faster?
- No need. A few gentle kicks and a sweep of the arms are enough. Kicking wildly uses up energy and makes it harder to settle.
- Why float before swimming to the wall?
- Because breathing comes first. Someone who rushes for the wall while gasping tires quickly. A few calm breaths make the swim much easier.
- Do I need to be a strong swimmer to learn this as an adult?
- No. You need to be comfortable going underwater and floating on your back. This skill is more about staying calm than about strength.
