How You Can Help Boost Water Confidence At Home (No Pool Required!)

Water confidence is a crucial step in learning to swim, and the great news is that you don’t need a pool to get started! With a little creativity, you can help your child feel comfortable and in control around water—right from home. Here are some fun and effective ways to build their skills and confidence before they even dive into the pool.

Try These Fun Water Confidence Boosters (Suitable for ages 2.5+)

Bathtime Face Dips

Encourage your child to wear goggles and practice dipping their face into the water during bath time. Turn it into a game by hiding small toys under the water or counting aloud while they hold their face under. This helps them get used to water on their face in a fun and low-pressure way! Start with quick dips and gradually increase the time as their comfort grows.

Bubble Blowing

Start with a straw and have your child blow bubbles in a cup of water. Once they’re comfortable, encourage them to try blowing soft bubbles with just their face in the water. This simple activity builds breath control and reduces anxiety about submerging their face. You can also make it a challenge by timing how long they can keep a steady stream of bubbles going.

Back Floating

Help your child practice floating on their back with their ears submerged in the water. Support their neck if needed and encourage them to relax. Once they’re comfortable, add gentle kicking for extra practice. Floating is an essential survival skill, so building confidence in this position is crucial for long-term water safety. Try singing a calming song to help them relax while floating!

Freestyle Kick Practice

A great way to build strong kicking technique is to have your child lie on a bed or chair and practice freestyle kicks. Encourage them to keep their ankles relaxed and make small, fast kicks. This dryland drill helps reinforce proper technique, so they’ll be ready to go in the pool! You can add an extra challenge by placing a stuffed toy on their knees to encourage controlled movements and avoid excessive bending.

The more comfortable your child feels in and around water, the more confident they’ll be when it’s time to swim!

Tips & Tricks For Starting Our Learn To Swim Program

If your child is starting our Learn To Swim program, a strong body position and an efficient kick are key to their swimming success. Here are some great at-home drills to help them refine their technique:

Bath Time Backstroke

Make bath time fun by having your child lie on their back in the water with their ears submerged. Encourage them to practice small, fast kicks—only their toes should break the surface, not their knees! This reinforces proper backstroke kicking technique in a relaxed environment. To make it even more engaging, challenge them to keep their belly button at the surface while they kick to maintain a strong body position.

Arm Movements on Land

To further refine their swimming technique, have your child practice arm movements out of the water. They can mimic freestyle strokes while standing, focusing on high elbows and smooth, continuous movements. Practicing these motions on land helps develop muscle memory and coordination, making transitions in the water much smoother.

Practicing these simple exercises at home will give your child the confidence and skills they need to excel in the pool. Consistency is key—just a few minutes of practice each day can make a big difference!

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not replace professional swimming instruction, direct adult supervision, or personalised water safety advice. Children should always be supervised closely by a responsible adult around water, regardless of their swimming ability. Always follow established water safety guidelines, swim only in designated safe areas, and ensure that appropriate safety measures and lifesaving equipment are readily available.