Open chest hold Maintain eye contact Child sitting on edge of mat or pool Teacher behind parent Parent bends child at waist and on cue '1 2 3' draws child gently into water Choice submersion Parent and child participate
Having a child submerge before emotionally and physically able is detrimental to becoming independent in water. Be patient and let child decide. Loosen hold on child to allow more free exploration of movement.
Child in open chest hold sitting on mat or edge of pool. Parent draws child into water gently submerging on cue '1 2 3'
Needs to be able to sit supported
Needs to be able to submerge