What this swimming skill is
Once your child can blow bubbles, the next step is turning it into a steady pattern. Bubbles go out in the water, a breath comes in above it, then the face goes back in. Over and over, calmly, without rushing.
It starts at the wall, where there is nothing else to think about, then moves into swimming. Next, your child learns to settle their breathing after a busy swim, and later to fit the breath into each stroke.
Why it matters
Swims get longer.
Children who hold their breath tire quickly and stop after a short way. A breathing rhythm lets them keep going.
Less gulping, less coughing.
A calm pattern means the breath in is quick and clean, instead of a hurried gasp.
A calmer swimmer.
Steady breathing and a relaxed body go together. You will see your child looking more at ease.
The base for every stroke.
Every stroke with the face in the water uses this same simple pattern.
Who it is for
This suits children, teens, adults and seniors who can already blow bubbles with the face in the water. Younger children learn it through counting games at the wall. Your child is ready when they can put the face in and breathe out without fuss. If you are learning as an adult, this is often the missing piece. Many adults have swum for years holding their breath, and tire quickly because of it.
