SwimStrong

Learning to trust and swim on your back isn’t something that comes naturally when you’re learning to swim! Here are our 3 top tips to help overcome the fear:

1️⃣ Practice the “ear dip” in the bath first - Have them lie back with ears in the water while you support their head lightly, just to get used to the sensation of water around their ears/face without the fear of sinking. This is exactly the bath practice you mentioned - it removes the “am I going to sink” fear entirely since the bath is shallow and safe.

2️⃣ Use the “starfish” float with support at first - In the pool, stand behind/beside them and support their lower back or head with your hand (or use a pool noodle under their back), and have them look up at the sky, not at their feet. Looking at their feet tips their hips down and makes them sink - looking up keeps their body flat and floaty.

3️⃣ Teach them “the body already floats” trust - Explain (or better, show) that their lungs act like a life jacket when full of air - taking a big breath in helps them float higher. A fun way to build this: have them try floating in the bath or a calm shallow pool with a big inhale vs. exhale, so they feel the difference themselves rather than just being told.

Save this post so you don’t lose it or send it to a parent who’s little one is learning to swim! 💙

Swimming lesson besties - things we love to see! 💙

Our little swimmers are here to learn to swim and stay safe in and around water, but it’s also about having fun and being social. So many of our pupils come with friends, or make new ones right here in the pool!

Learning skills, having fun and making friends - that’s exactly what our lessons should be about 🫶

A little glimpse into life here at SwimStrong! 🏊 💙

Our lessons here at LivingWell Strathclyde run on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday mornings, with various levels depending on your child’s age and ability.

From helping wee ones take their first strokes, to perfecting technique, learning lifesaving skills, and of course having fun - it’s always busy, and we love every minute of it!

To enquire about joining one of our classes, drop us a message - we’d love to hear from you! 🫶

🏊 New term, new swimming lessons!

We still have limited availability at Livingwell Strathclyde - so if your little one is ready to dive into the world of swimming (lessons for ages 3+), or you’re just looking for a fresh start this term, get in touch! We’d love to hear from you and welcome you to our SwimStrong community 💙

📍 Livingwell Strathclyde, Bellshill | DM or email to enquire ([email protected])