What this swimming skill is
A back float means lying on the water face up, with the ears in, the tummy up and the arms spread wide. The face stays out of the water, so breathing is easy. Many children find it strange at first, because the ears go under and everything goes quiet.
It usually comes after your child is comfortable floating on the front. Next come resting afloat, rolling over in the water and gliding on the back.
See it in action
Learning to Swim as An Adult: How to Float in Water
Made for adults learning to swim: floating on the front and on the back.
From the AquaMobile YouTube channel
Why it matters
Easy breathing.
On the back, the face is out of the water. A child who can float on the back can stop and breathe.
A place to rest.
Later on, the back float becomes the place your child goes to rest when they feel tired.
Calm and confidence.
Lying back and trusting the water is a big step for nervous children and adults alike.
The start of backstroke.
Swimming on the back starts from this same relaxed, face up position.
