What this swimming skill is
Rolling over in the water is like rolling over in bed, only slower. From the front, your child turns onto the back, where the face is out of the water and breathing is easy. From the back, they turn onto the front to stand up or swim on.
It builds on floating on the front, floating on the back and balancing on the side. Next comes turning on the spot while afloat, and later swimming and resting in turns.
See it in action
Step 4: How to Float in the Water
Front floats, back floats and pancake flips, the roll from one to the other, taught with a song.
From the AquaMobile YouTube channel
Why it matters
Breathing whenever needed.
A child who gets tired or scared on the front can roll over and breathe.
A key safety habit.
Roll, float and breathe is one of the most useful plans a young swimmer can have.
Confidence for adults.
Adults often feel far more relaxed once they know they can always turn over to breathe.
Smoother swimming.
Rolling well helps later with backstroke, front crawl breathing and switching between strokes.
