What this water confidence skill is
Under the water, it can be hard to tell which way is up. This skill teaches your child to find the surface, put their feet down, stand up and look around. It is practised in shallow water, one calm go at a time.
It comes after going all the way under. Next come opening the eyes underwater and standing up from a float.
Why it matters
Fear drops away.
Knowing they can get back to their feet takes away one of the biggest worries in the water.
A calm habit for surprises.
Head up, feet down, stand and breathe becomes a pattern your child can fall back on.
Lessons go more smoothly.
A child who trusts they can stand up is more willing to try floating, gliding and swimming.
Who it is for
This is for children who are comfortable going all the way under. Many treat it as a game of turn and stand. Babies and toddlers are not expected to do this on their own, and they stay in the instructor's hands. If you are learning as an adult, this skill often answers the very question that brought you to lessons.
In shallow water
The goal
Your child goes under on purpose, finds their way back up and stands with their feet flat on the floor. They breathe normally and look around for the instructor or the wall.
Why it matters
Being able to get back on their feet in shallow water gives your child a calm plan for when things feel wobbly.
What happens in lessons
Simple words to remember.
Your instructor gives your child a short saying, like head up, feet down, stand, breathe.
Sitting down and standing up.
Your child sinks down into a sit, then stands back up, with the instructor right beside them.
Finding the floor.
Your child learns to bring their knees in and press down with their hands, so their feet land underneath them.
Looking around.
Once standing, your child looks for the instructor, the wall or the steps, so they know where to go next.
How you can help between lessons
- In the pool, only with an adult in the water within arm's reach, play sit and stand in water where your child can stand.
Common questions
- Why not just teach my child to swim first?
- Swimming is easier, and feels safer, when your child knows they can get back to their feet. This skill removes a lot of fear, and that helps every later lesson.
- Will the instructor push my child under to practise this?
- No. Every time your child goes under here, it is their choice, and nobody is tipped under without warning. Falling in by surprise is practised later, in lessons only, with the instructor in the water.
- Does this make my child safe in deeper water?
- No. It is an important step, but it is practised where your child can stand. Deeper water needs other skills, and children always need close adult supervision near any water.
- I am an adult and I worry I won't be able to stand up. Is this for me?
- Yes. It is one of the most common worries adults bring to lessons, and this skill answers it directly. You practise in water where you can stand, at your own pace.
