What this water safety skill is
This skill is the journey from deep water to dry land. Your child finds the nearest way out, then swims, floats or kicks on their back to get there. Once at the edge, they climb out on their own. The best way to travel is not always the fastest: a calm, steady swim with rests often works better.
It comes after swimming and resting in turns. Next comes trying it all in clothes, and learning to signal for help.
Why it matters
Getting out is the finish line.
Staying afloat buys time. Reaching the edge and climbing out ends the danger.
Calm over fast.
Choosing a steady way to travel keeps breathing easy and saves energy.
Independence in deep water.
Your child learns they can look after themselves from anywhere in the pool.
Who it is for
Children, teens and adults who can come up, float, tread and swim a short way in deep water. They can also climb out over an edge or up a ladder. Younger children usually travel on their front with rests. If you are learning as an adult, a slow stroke with the head up, or kicking on your back, often feels most comfortable.
From deep water
The goal
Your child starts in the deep part of the pool, away from the wall. They look around, choose the closest way out, travel there steadily and climb out without help.
Why it matters
It is the whole point of the survival skills: getting from trouble to safety, on their own.
What happens in lessons
Starting away from the wall.
Your instructor takes your child into deep water, away from the edge, and stays within reach.
Choosing the way out.
Your child looks around and points to the nearest wall, steps or ladder.
Travelling steadily.
Your child swims or floats there, resting on their back if they need to.
Climbing out.
At the edge, your child gets out on their own.
How you can help between lessons
We practise this one in lessons only, with your instructor right there in the water.
What's normal along the way
Common questions
- Which stroke is best for getting to safety?
- Whichever one your child can do calmly while breathing easily. For many that is breaststroke, the frog-like stroke, or kicking on the back. Your instructor helps your child find theirs.
- What if my child gets tired halfway?
- That is exactly why they learn to rest on their back first. They roll over, breathe and then carry on.
- Is this the same as being a strong swimmer?
- Not quite. It is about looking after yourself in deep water. Even strong swimmers need to know how to pace themselves and get out.
