What this open water skill is
A buddy is someone who swims alongside another swimmer, at a distance they have agreed. Buddies keep an eye on each other the whole time. They do not have to swim at the same speed, but they do have to keep checking.
A buddy is not a lifeguard. If either buddy has a problem, the job is to stop, signal and get the supervisor's attention, never to attempt a rescue. For children, it starts as a simple rule practised in lessons. Next comes resting afloat and heading back to the exit.
Why it matters
Nobody is alone.
A buddy notices quickly if something is wrong, and can call for help.
A habit for life.
Children who learn the buddy habit early take it to every beach, lake and holiday pool.
Help arrives sooner.
Stopping and signalling straight away gets the supervisor's attention fast.
Shared decisions.
Buddies agree when to turn back, which makes it easier to say it is time to get out.
Who it is for
Children, teens, adults and older adults. For children, it begins as a simple rule practised in lessons: stay near your buddy and look for them often. Teens and adults use it on supervised open-water swims, agreeing on spacing and signals before each swim. If you are learning as an adult, a buddy is also a steadying hand on uneven shores. They share the decision to get out, too.
Side by side, supervised
The goal
Your child swims alongside their buddy, checking on them often and staying at the agreed distance. If they lose sight of each other, they stop and signal straight away.
Why it matters
Keeping an eye on each other means problems are spotted early. Stopping and signalling brings help quickly.
What happens in lessons
Learning the rules.
Your instructor explains what a buddy does, and agrees simple signals with your child.
Practising in the pool.
Your child swims alongside a buddy or the instructor, looking for them often.
Stop, look, signal.
Your child practises what to do if they lose sight of their buddy: stop, look around and signal.
Supervised open water.
Teens and adults then use the same habits on open-water swims, always with a supervisor watching.
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
- Can my child learn this in our pool?
- Yes, the habits can be practised in lessons in your pool: staying close, checking often, and stopping if they lose sight of their buddy. Open water comes later, and always with supervision.
- Should a buddy rescue someone in trouble?
- No. A buddy's job is to signal the supervisor and stay nearby. Rescues by untrained swimmers can put both people in danger.
- What signals should buddies use?
- Agree on them before you swim. A hand on top of the head often means 'I am okay'. An arm raised and waving means 'I need help'.
- What if one buddy is faster?
- The faster swimmer adjusts. You agree on spacing before you start, and the faster one slows down or waits.
