Most young children who struggle in their first lessons are not unable to swim; they are unsure about water on their face. The good news is that bath time is a perfect, warm, safe place to change that, a little at a time.
Pour, do not splash
Use a small cup to pour water gently over the back of the head, then the forehead. Count down from three each time so your child knows what is coming. Praise every pour.
Blow bubbles together
Ask your child to blow bubbles on the water like cooling hot pap, then with lips touching the water, then with the nose. Breathing out under water is the first swimming skill.
Play find the toy
- Drop a toy under shallow water
- Encourage your child to look before they grab
- Try goggles if they like them
- Stop while it is still fun
Talk about water safety
Even very young children can learn a simple rule: we only go near water with a grown-up. In Lagos, with gutters, canals and beach days, this rule matters more than any stroke.
Never leave them alone
Children can slip under silently in a few centimetres of water. Stay within arm's reach at every bath, every paddling pool and every beach.