DIY Teach Your Child How to Swim Skill #7: Back Float
Skill #7: Back Float
Goal: To have a quiet, calm body resting on the surface of the water, eventually getting the swimmer to float independently on their back.
Remember to continue practicing Skill #1: Get Your Face Wet, Skill #2: Blow Bubbles, Skill #3: Front Float, Skill #4: Front Glide with Kicks, Skill #5: Arm Pulls and Skill #6: Rolling Over every time you go to the pool. Learning how to swim is a lifelong process. You are helping your child foster a healthy relationship with water, which will benefit him positively for the rest of his life.
How to Back Float
Relax: It’s important to be calm. If you are in the water with your child, show them that you are relaxed, confident and there’s nothing to worry about. If your body is tense, they will feel it and will also become tense. Move your body gently through the water.
Start with a hug and move slowly: Slowly turn your child away from you and give them a hug from behind. Now bring your hands underneath their arms, thumbs up, move them to the side and pull them against your shoulder. You should now be cheek- to- cheek with with your child. Do all of this slowly and fluidly, singing a relaxing song or whispering in their ear for comfort.
Let your child feel your support: Move your inside hand under their bum and slide your other hand across their chest, maintaining the cheek- to- cheek position. Bend your knees and get down low so that your shoulders are under the water. Slowly walk backward, moving side to side so their legs float through the water.
Don’t give up: If this is not your child’s favorite skill, don’t worry. But DO NOT GIVE UP. Counting is always a good tool. Start with a back float for 3 seconds, “1, 2, 3.” Move on to another skill and revisit the back float a few minutes later for 4 seconds
RESOURCES
- Check out the Do-it-Yourself Teach Your Child How to Swim eBook
- Visit the our Learn to Swim Shop
- Download the FREE Safer Swimming Bundle
- Subscribe to our Youtube Channel