What this water confidence skill is
Floating is lovely, until you want to stop and are not sure how. This skill teaches your child to bring their knees in, get their feet down, then stand up and breathe. They learn it from the front and from the back, first with help, then alone.
It comes after changing direction in the water and going all the way under. Floating on the front and back grow alongside it. Next come gliding off the wall, rolling over in the water and stopping to rest afloat.
Why it matters
Relaxed floating.
Children who know they can stand up whenever they like are far more willing to lie back and float.
Less panic.
Not knowing how to stand up is one of the most common reasons beginners of any age start splashing and grabbing.
The door to swimming.
Gliding and swimming start from a float. Being able to stop and stand is what makes trying them feel safe.
Who it is for
This is for children who are comfortable putting their face in and going under, and are starting to float. Children usually pick it up as part of floating games. If you are learning as an adult, this may be the skill you want first. It answers the question of how to get back up. Older adults may take a little more time with balance, and practise close to the wall.
Part 1 of 2
From a front float
The goal
From floating face down, your child brings their knees in, lifts their head and puts their feet on the floor. They stand up and breathe calmly, first with the instructor holding them, then alone.
Why it matters
Standing up from a front float is what makes floating and gliding feel safe to try. Your child knows they can stop whenever they want.
What happens in lessons
Trying it out of the water.
Your child may try the move on dry land first, lying down and pulling the knees in to kneel.
A float with hands holding.
Your child floats face down with the instructor supporting them, in water where they can stand.
Knees in, feet down.
Your child pulls their knees in, presses their hands down and lifts their head, so their feet land on the floor.
On their own.
The instructor's hands move away, and your child floats and stands up by themselves.
How you can help between lessons
Common questions
- I can float, but I panic because I don't know how to stand up. Is that common?
- Very common, especially for adults. It is often what stops people relaxing in the water. Once you know how, floating feels completely different.
- Which is harder, standing up from the front or the back?
- For most people, the back. You cannot see the floor, and the natural reaction is to push the head back, which makes it harder. Tucking the chin first is the key.
- Is this suitable for older adults?
- Yes, with sensible care. Practice happens close to the wall, slowly, with the instructor's hands close by. If you have health concerns about exercise or balance, check with your doctor before starting lessons.
- Does my child have to roll over, or tuck up?
- Either is fine. Some children find rolling onto the front easier, and others prefer tucking up. Your instructor shows both and lets your child use what feels natural.
