What this swimming skill is
This is your child's first taste of moving through the water without being held. Head up, hands paddling and legs kicking, they travel a short way and grab the wall or the step. It usually looks more like a busy puppy than a stroke, and that is exactly right.
It is one of the very first steps in learning to swim. Next, your child learns to paddle with the hands on purpose, then to kick, and later to put strokes together.
See it in action
Swimming Lessons for Kids: Front Gliding & Kicking with Freestyle Arms
A lesson for young children where gliding, kicking and arms come together without help.
From the AquaMobile YouTube channel
Why it matters
A huge confidence boost.
The first time your child gets somewhere on their own is a big moment. It makes them keen to try more.
Heading for the edge.
Your child learns that the wall is where to go, a habit that matters every time they are near water.
Where strokes begin.
Paddling and kicking to get somewhere is the seed of every stroke to come.
Fun that builds strength.
Busy arms and legs build the strength and coordination for what comes next.
Who it is for
This suits babies, toddlers and young children in their early lessons. Toddlers move with lots of splashing and not much direction, and that is completely normal. Your child is ready when they are happy in the water, enjoy being held on their front, and like reaching for things. Older children who are new to the water often manage it quickly once they trust it.
Paddling with the head up
The goal
Your child paddles and kicks with the head up, travels a short way on their own, and grabs the wall. Over time the distance grows, and they head for the edge every time.
Why it matters
Keeping the head up lets your child see where they are going and breathe freely, so all their focus goes on getting there.
What happens in lessons
Very close to the wall.
Your instructor holds your child just a short reach from the wall, then lets go for the last little stretch.
Paddling and kicking.
Your child paddles the hands and kicks the legs, with the instructor's hands right beside them.
A little further each time.
The gap grows slowly, so every try ends with your child reaching the wall happily.
Finding the edge.
Every swim ends with holding on, so heading for the wall becomes a habit.
How you can help between lessons
- In the bath, let your child paddle the hands and kick the legs. Always stay within arm's reach.
Common questions
- Is my toddler swimming yet?
- Not in the full sense, and that is fine. Moving to the wall on their own is a big first step. Strokes, breathing and safety skills come later, one at a time.
- Once my child can paddle to the wall, can I relax near the pool?
- No. Paddling a short way does not make any child safe in water. Young children need an adult within arm's reach every time they are near water.
- Should my child wear arm bands or a float suit?
- Flotation can help some children enjoy the water, but it holds them in a different position. Your instructor teaches this skill without it where possible, with hands close by. Whatever your child wears, it never replaces an adult within arm's reach.
- My child only wants to swim to me, not the wall. Is that okay?
- It is a natural first step, because swimming to you feels safe. Your instructor gradually turns the goal toward the wall. The edge is where your child should head whenever they are in the water.
- What if my child cries or clings?
- Very normal for little ones. Your instructor goes back to something your child enjoys, keeps the distances tiny, and tries again when they are ready.
