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.

Front hold, face to face Child puts face in & holds breath Look down, let arms & legs hang down, float Use core and lift head & exhale Inhale at surface Return to float position

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.

Child's hands on top of legs/thighs Kick on back for increased 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.

Child's hands on top of legs/thighs Kick on back for increased 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.

Start with 1 arm forward, 1 arm back Face in & kick while pulling both arms As many as possible in 1 breath One at a time

Use this drill for beginners of front crawl who are struggling with coordinating arms & kicks.

Use fulcrums or hand paddles to focus on proper catch and pull.

Pass ball around underwater On island(s)

Child should stay underwater and blow bubbles so that they can always see where the ball is going. Come up only to take a quick breath.

Teacher designs obstacles with mat(s) and/or toys Child swims to and crosses obstacles

Adjust distance of swims according to child's ability.

Child holds railing as necessary Child walks up stairs