Child holds railing as necessary Child walks down stairs

On island, all together Rhythmic breathing - exhale slowly underwater, breath at surface

Child should blow LONG bubbles underwater - these are BOBS, not DIPS. For those struggling with blowing long, count for them slowly to 3, 4, or 5 - it helps to have a target number. Advanced: focus on taking one quick breath in.

Face in & blow bubbles Hold knees to chest, tuck in chin (curl up body as if a ball) Blow bubbles as long as possible or until sunk to bottom & push up One at a time Depending on child's buoyancy assistance may be required for child to descend

Give a GENTLE push to help child start to sink. If child is staying afloat, it probably means that they are not blowing bubbles / exhaling properly. Remind child to make a noise (say "oooo", "eeee", or "hum") to blow bubbles.

Child's hands on top of legs/thighs Kick on back for target distance No support

Watch for correct hand placement (hands on top of legs/thighs) to encourage proper body position, arms straight. If using a small dive ring, be sure child is holding it properly - palms to body and arms straight.

Use flippers to strengthen kick.

Hands on top of legs/thighs Kick on front Rollover to back Kick on back Rollover to front One at a time

Watch for correct hand placement (hands on top of legs/thighs) to encourage proper body position, arms straight. If using a small dive ring, be sure child is holding it properly - palms to body and arms straight.

Use flippers to assist with propulsion if necessary.

Pick up object from bottom Push-off & swim up One at a time

Emphasize that blowing bubbles (exhaling) will allow body to sink down, holding breath will make child float. Get down far enough to the bottom to push-off bottom with knees bent so that child can use their legs to push, not feet or toes.

Teacher assists child to dive down underwater Child kicks underwater to target distance One at a time, Island to island/stairs/pool edge

Jump in from edge One at a time

Child on pool edge One foot on edge & other knee on edge Dive in from kneeling position

Use hoop to help give child a target to dive through.

Child puts elbows up on deck Pulls body up to lie down on tummy Puts knee up on deck and climbs out