What this swimming skill is
Front crawl is the stroke where the arms take turns over the water. When it starts to feel tiring, your child rolls onto the back. They breathe, float or kick gently, and then roll back over and carry on. Knowing that rest is always an option takes a lot of worry out of swimming.
It builds on rolling between front and back, and on restful strokes like elementary backstroke. It leads into longer swims without stopping.
Why it matters
Rest is always an option.
Your child learns they do not have to stop and stand to get their breath back.
Longer swims.
Short rests on the back help your child swim further without getting worn out.
Staying calm.
Having a plan for when they feel tired helps your child stay in control.
Who it is for
Children, teens, adults and seniors all work on this once they can swim some front crawl and roll between front and back. Children often practise it as a 'tired, turn over, rest' game. If you are learning as an adult, this skill takes away the worry of running out of breath partway across.
From front crawl to back
The goal
Your child rolls from front crawl onto the back and keeps moving gently. After resting, they carry on forward.
Why it matters
Switching to the back to rest lets your child get their breath back without stopping. It turns a tiring moment into a calm one.
