What this water confidence skill is
This is the classic pool game: a sinking toy goes down, and your child goes under to get it. Toys start on a step close to the surface, then move to the pool floor within easy reach. It all happens in water where your child can stand.
It builds on going all the way under and opening the eyes underwater. Next comes gliding off the wall, where your child starts moving through the water on their own.
Why it matters
Comfort turns into confidence.
Going under with a goal helps children forget to be nervous.
Eyes open, calm and in control.
Your child practises looking around underwater and coming back up without fuss.
Pure fun.
It is often the part of the lesson children talk about afterwards, and fun keeps them keen to come back.
Who it is for
This is for children who are comfortable going under and opening their eyes. Younger children usually start with toys on a high step and move to the floor as their confidence grows. Teens often move through it quickly and enjoy the challenge.
In shallow water
The goal
Your child spots a sinking toy, goes under to pick it up and comes back up holding it. First from a step, then from the pool floor where they can stand.
Why it matters
Having a reason to go under makes it feel natural. Each toy brought back up is a small win your child can see.
What happens in lessons
Toys on the step.
Your instructor places a toy on a step just under the surface, so your child only needs to reach down a little.
Look first, then go.
Your child finds the toy from above, takes a breath and goes under with eyes open.
Down to the floor.
As confidence grows, the toy moves to the pool floor, still where your child can stand easily.
Up with the prize.
Your child comes up, breathes calmly and shows off the toy. Calm and steady earns more praise than speed.
How you can help between lessons
- In the bath, let your child pick a toy off the bottom with their face in and eyes open. Stay within arm's reach the whole time.
Common questions
- Can my child play this in our pool at home?
- Yes, if an adult is in the water within arm's reach, the toys sit where your child can easily stand, and each try is short. Save anything deeper for lessons.
- What toys should we use?
- Pool toys made to sink, like rings or sticks, are ideal. Avoid anything sharp, breakable or small enough to swallow.
- My child wants to dive in to get the toys. Is that okay?
- Not at this stage. Diving head first into shallow water can cause serious injury. Diving is taught later, in lessons only, and only where the water is deep enough.
- Why does my child keep floating up before reaching the toy?
- A full breath makes the body float. Breathing out gently on the way down and bending the knees more both help. It usually clicks with a little practice.
