As the weather warms up and families begin planning holidays abroad or trips to places like Center Parcs, it’s the perfect time to refresh your knowledge on water safety. Whether you’re heading to a hotel with a pool, a sandy beach, or even a water park, being aware of the risks and taking simple precautions can make all the difference. For parents with young children, especially those who may be new to swimming, understanding water safety is vital. At Swimbrite Swimming School, we’re passionate about helping families feel confident in and around water – here are some essential tips every parent should know this summer.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

No two swimming environments are the same. What might be perfectly safe in one place could present hidden dangers in another. Hotel pools may not have lifeguards on duty, while beaches might have strong undercurrents or sudden drop-offs. Before allowing your child into the water, take a moment to assess the area. Look for depth markers, slippery surfaces, and exits. If you’re at the beach, check for warning flags or signs about the tide. Being aware of the environment helps you make informed decisions and react quickly if something goes wrong.

Never Rely on Inflatables as Safety Aids

While inflatables can be great fun, they should never be considered a substitute for supervision or swimming ability. Items like inflatable rings, lilos, or armbands can give a false sense of security, but they can easily flip or drift into deeper water. Particularly in the sea or a large pool, wind and currents can quickly carry children away from the shore or the pool edge. Always stay within arm’s reach of young children, and if they need support in the water, opt for properly fitted buoyancy aids like life jackets or swim vests approved for safety use.

Supervision

Even if your child is a strong swimmer, never take your eyes off them when they are near or in the water. Drowning can happen quickly and often without noise or obvious signs of distress. Active supervision means being fully present – not reading a book, using your phone, or nipping away for a moment. For very young children, this means being in the water with them or sitting at the edge where you can reach them instantly. Designate a responsible adult to watch the water at all times, particularly when multiple children are involved.

Teach Basic Water Rules Before You Go

Children love the excitement of being on holiday, which can lead to impulsive behaviour around water. Setting some clear, age-appropriate rules ahead of time can help manage that excitement and prevent accidents. Rules like “no running near the pool,” “always ask before getting in,” and “no pushing or diving” are simple but effective. Practice these when you’re next at the pool before you go on holiday so they become second nature.

Enrol in Swimming Lessons Early

Swimming lessons aren’t just about learning strokes – they build water confidence and teach crucial safety skills from a young age. At Swimbrite, we welcome children from 6 months old and structure lessons to suit each stage of development. Babies and toddlers begin with water familiarisation, while older children learn how to float, kick, and safely enter and exit the water. Starting lessons before your holiday can help your child feel more confident and comfortable when they’re around the pool or beach, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Know the Signs of Struggle

Many parents expect drowning to involve splashing or cries for help, but in reality, it’s often silent. A child in distress may appear to be bobbing in the water, unable to call out, with a glassy stare, tilted head, or open mouth. They may look like they’re treading water but not moving forward. Learning to recognise these subtle signs can make all the difference. If you’re unsure whether a child is in trouble – always act. It’s far better to check than to miss a genuine emergency.

Set a Good Example with Your Own Water Behaviour

Children learn by watching those around them. If they see you following safety rules, using flotation devices where needed, and staying alert around water, they’re more likely to mirror that behaviour. Avoid risky actions like diving into shallow pools or leaving young children unattended, even for a moment. Talk to your children about why safety rules matter and involve them in making good decisions around water. Leading by example creates a strong foundation for a lifetime of safe swimming.

With just a little preparation and awareness, your family can enjoy all the fun of water-based activities this summer while staying safe. If you’d like to boost your child’s confidence before your next holiday, why not join us at Swimbrite Swimming School? Give us a call today on 0113 841 1813 or email us at enquiries@swimbriteswimmingschool.co.ukto 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 ones to the pool!

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!