It seems that one of the most challenging tasks for youngsters is floating on their back. An anxiety or dislike about floating can be due to a number of reasons: 1) works the stomach muscles, 2) causes water to enter the ears, which bothers some children, 3) makes them feel like they are sinking, and/or 4) requires a certain level of trust in themselves and in their teacher. The ability to float is important for water safety. If a child falls into a body of deep water without any immediate walls, the least he can do is flip on his back and float until help comes.
Teaching a child to float requires much patience, for the child often wants to sit up. One technique is to hold him securely, gently easing him onto his back while maintaining eye contact. Eye contact is key: It helps him keep his point of reference. Quietly reassuring him also helps to calm him. You might want to try giving him a small toy he can hold to keep him focused. Once he is lying flat, move your body directly underneath his in a type of pancake position so that you are both lying on your back with his resting on your chest. This sets up a type of natural rhythm, which is very helpful in learning swimming.
Another technique to introduce the concept of floating is to have the child practice lying flat in a bath tub with very shallow water or on the entrance steps of a pool. He feels more safe trying to float, knowing that something is directly underneath him. Once the child masters this, you can then move him onto a float and then finally into your arms.
Improve their balance
Walking in shallow water improves muscle strength and overall balance. One exercise is to practice in a water level that comes up to the child’s waist or chest area (for example, in two feet of water). This can be especially fun if you put a few toys around the child and he has to walk through the water to retrieve them.
If the child loses his balance and accidentally submerges his head, give him a moment or two to try to find his footing again. Train him to reorient himself and return to the upright position by planting his feet on the pool bottom.