Create a comfortable learning environment—in the water and out

Make sure the water temperature is comfortable for the child. The younger and smaller he is, the less he will be able to tolerate cold temperatures. Many national aquatic organizations recommend that children swim in temperatures 86° to 94° because the warmer water relaxes the child, increasing his enjoyment level and his learning speed. Shivering swimmers have a more difficult time focusing on the task at hand. Avoid temperatures above 94° (such as in a Jacuzzi), for hot water can suck the energy out of infants and toddlers—my infant son fell asleep in a hot pool—and potentially harm them.

Also check the learning atmosphere. Are older children jumping in around you? Is the water very wavy or choppy? If your child is a bit timid at first, find a quiet, peaceful place to instruct him.

Ease them into it

Except for a selected few who jump into the water and swim like fish, most young children will see swimming as a series of experiments. It is not uncommon for a toddler, self-confident about experiences in the bath tub at home, to walk uninhibitedly into a big body of water only to suddenly discover that this new “bath tub” is no longer fun. Others will timidly look at the water, test a toe, then a foot, then a knee, and then turn away, traumatized by the experience. Children progress at their own speeds. The key is not to push them but instead take it step by step (or toe by toe).

Establish trust in the water

With parenthood comes an added bonus—you already have a relationship with your child, and hopefully it’s a trusting one. This gives you an advantage in the water because your child is more trusting of you than with a stranger. The more the child trusts you, the more he is willing to try new techniques. The goal is to increase this trust in the water. One way to do this is to hold the young child firmly, usually on his tummy with his arms around your neck, and then slowly move around the pool. Show him the different sides of the pool and explain the steps, ladders, etc. It is best if you can develop a natural rhythm with him by placing your body directly underneath his (almost like he’s lying on a bed), and then gliding around in the pool.

Another way to improve trust is to sit the child on the deck, his feet dangling in the water, and then to have him fall into your arms. With each catch, try to get him more and more involved with the water. Use your facial expressions and cheering words to really pump up his enthusiasm. You may soon find that he will excitedly jump rather than fall towards you.