What this water safety skill is
Getting into the pool is where many slips and scares happen. This skill is about doing it the safe way: the feet go in first, so the head stays protected. There are gentle ways in, like sitting on the edge and sliding in, and livelier ones, like jumping.
Most children start by sliding in with a hand from the instructor, then move on to stepping and jumping in. Jumping into deep water, meaning water deeper than they are tall, comes once your child can come back up and stay afloat. Diving is a separate skill that comes much later, and only in water that suits it.
See it in action
Step 1: Enter & Exit the Water Safely
Getting in safely by the stairs, the ramp and the wall, and a first jump, taught with a song.
From the AquaMobile YouTube channel
Why it matters
Feet first protects the head.
Going in head first where the water is too shallow can cause serious injuries. A feet-first habit takes that risk away.
Fewer slips at the edge.
Pool decks are wet and slippery. Learning to sit, turn and lower in keeps your child steady when falls are most likely.
A calm start to every swim.
Getting in slowly and in control means your child starts each swim relaxed, not startled.
Good habits that last.
