After the child can swim with the face under water for about 8 feet, he is ready to learn to take a breath by bringing his face up. If the child learns to bring the face up before he is ready, he may be unable to recover the swim position and start floundering while trying to tread water. While the child gains endurance, have the child breathe and rest by doing the flip float. Children who learn the flip float first will learn to breathe to the side, the preferred method for distance swimming.

 

To teach take a breath by bringing the face up, demonstrate by bringing your face straight up, blowing out and taking in air before putting your face back down in the water.

 

Explain to the child that he will bring the face up after he swims half way to the other side of the pool.

 

Have the child push off the side or jump in the pool. You will be waiting for the child half way to the other wall.

 

When the child reaches you, tap the child on the head and say, “take a breath”. You can put a hand under the child’s belly or hold the bathing suit. Count to three while the child takes in air.

 

Do not let the child grab your arm. Say, “head down” and “get the wall!” as you release the child and follow to the wall. Watch the child’s mouth to be sure that he takes a breath.

 

With physical development and practice the child will increase the distance he can swim.

 

Your child’s potential is endless!