What this water safety skill is
After a jump or a fall, most people come up facing away from where they started. The nearest wall is often right behind them. Without practice, they simply swim the way they are facing. This skill builds a simple habit: turn, look, then go.
It comes after your child can come up from deep water and settle. Next comes practising a surprise fall, then treading water for longer and swimming to safety.
Why it matters
The nearest wall is often behind.
Turning around first can make the swim to safety much shorter.
A habit that is easy to remember.
Turn, look, go is simple for children to hold on to, even when they are startled.
Less energy spent.
Heading the right way from the start saves strength for getting out.
Who it is for
Children, teens and adults who can come up from deep water and settle into a float or tread. Young children often need the most practice, because they tend to swim toward whatever catches their eye. If you are learning as an adult, you will usually pick up the habit quickly once you know it.
After getting in
The goal
Your child goes into deep water, comes up and settles. Then they turn around, point to the closest wall or way out and swim or float straight to it.
Why it matters
It is the step that connects coming up with getting out. Without it, even a good swimmer can head the wrong way.
What happens in lessons
Pointing from the edge.
Before going in, your child points out the walls, steps and ladder they could use.
Turning in the water.
With the instructor beside them, your child practises turning around while floating or treading.
Turn, look, go.
After each entry, your child turns, spots the nearest way out and points to where they are heading.
Mixing it up.
Your instructor changes where your child goes in, so the nearest way out is not always the same.
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
- Why does my child swim away from the wall after jumping in?
- It is very common. They come up facing out and swim the way they are pointing. That is exactly the habit this skill changes.
- How does someone turn around in deep water?
- Your instructor shows your child an easy way to turn while floating or treading, using the arms. Some children roll onto their back first, so they can breathe while they look around.
- Does this help outside a pool?
- The habit of looking for the nearest safe place helps anywhere. Lakes and the sea bring currents, waves and cold, which are separate skills taught only with close supervision.
