Swimming is a vital life skill, and learning it takes time and practice. While swimming lessons at Swimbrite Swimming School provide essential instruction, there are plenty of ways to help your child practise and reinforce their skills at home. Regular practice between lessons can build confidence, improve technique, and even make their swimming lessons more enjoyable. And don’t worry, it doesn’t require a pool! There are a variety of simple activities you can do at home to help your child progress. From fun games to simple exercises, these practices can make a big difference in their swimming journey.
Blowing Bubbles
One of the first skills many young swimmers need to master is getting comfortable with having water on their face. A great way to practice this at home is by blowing bubbles in the bath, or even a big bowl of water! This exercise helps your child learn how to exhale through their mouth while their face is submerged in water. Encourage your child to make big, loud bubbles and have fun with it. The more they practise blowing bubbles, the more comfortable they will be when their face is in the water during lessons. Over time, this simple exercise will help them transition to more advanced techniques like underwater swimming and controlled breathing.
Preparing for Water Entry
Getting used to the sensation of water flow over their head and entering the water confidently is an important step for young swimmers. At home, you can simulate this by practising pour overs in the bath or shower. Using a small cup or jug, gently pour water over your child’s head while they’re sitting or standing, encouraging them to stay calm and relaxed. This helps them become accustomed to the feeling of water on their face and head, a vital aspect of swimming.
Jumping into the water is another key skill, and you can simulate this at home by practising jumping onto soft surfaces like a bed or even a trampoline. Have your child jump with excitement, imagining they’re about to leap into the pool. While not exactly the same as entering water, it helps them build confidence with the motion and excitement of jumping in. These exercises help prepare your child for more active water entry techniques during their lessons, giving them the courage to jump into the pool when it comes to their next lesson.
Kick Practice
Kicking is an essential part of swimming, helping to propel your child through the water. While you can’t always practise kicking in the pool, there are several fun exercises you can do at home to strengthen their legs and improve their kicking technique. One simple exercise is to have your child lie on their stomach and kick their legs in the air, as if they’re pretending to swim. You can also try a fun game where they kick under a blanket or a pillow, simulating the feeling of water resistance. Kicking games help build leg strength and muscle memory, which will make their time in the pool more effective. Additionally, you can practice flutter kicks while they sit on the floor or on a cushion, helping them strengthen their core and legs.
Breathing Techniques
Breathing is a fundamental skill in swimming, but it can be difficult for children, especially when they are just starting to get used to having their face in the water. At home, you can practise breathing techniques to make your child more comfortable with this process. Blowing bubbles in the bath is a great way to start, but you can also teach your child how to control their breathing by practising side breathing on dry land. Have them take a deep breath in, then exhale slowly while turning their head to one side, mimicking the movement they’ll use in the water. This exercise builds their breathing stamina and helps them get used to the rhythm of inhaling and exhaling. By practising these techniques regularly at home, your child will feel more confident and capable when it’s time to incorporate them into their lessons with us at Swimbrite Swimming School.
Final Thoughts
Practising swimming skills at home doesn’t require a pool, but it does require creativity and consistency. By incorporating simple activities like blowing bubbles, simulating arm strokes, kicking exercises, and breathing techniques, you can help your child strengthen their swimming skills in a fun and engaging way. These practices not only build confidence but also help them get the most out of their swimming lessons at Swimbrite Swimming School.
If your child hasn’t yet started swimming lessons, give us a call today on 0113 841 1813 or email us at enquiries@swimbriteswimmingschool.co.uk to find out more about our classes and availability at our pools at The Village Hotel in Headingley, The Mercure Parkway Hotel in Bramhope, Woodhouse Grove School in Apperley Bridge and The Grammar School at Leeds. We can’t wait to welcome your little one to the pool!