How do you teach a kid to swim?

Question

My son is almost 3, and I would like to teach him to swim this summer. Does anyone have any tips about how to do this?

Answer 1

i can agree with the people that posted above me, but i think that (life jacket or not) you should start in a bathtub, then go up to a 'kiddie pool', then a regular pool.

Answer 2

but a floaty thing/life preserver that looks like a chair n make him get used to the water 1st then when he looks like his havin fun put him belly down the water wit ur hand under his tummy for support then make him paddle em feet .i babysit alot and thats what i do..

Answer 3

Start by just taking him in the water and making him feel comfortable in the water.  Then teach him how to blow bubbles and how to go under water.  Show him how to float and his front and back.  Show him flutter kick separate from the freestyle arms.  Then show him backstroke arms.  This will take a while to teach him.  I wouldn't put him in a life jacket because it makes him feel like he can swim when he can't.  Using a flotation device once is good though just to show him different things.

Answer 4

Floatation devices promote a false sense of security and should not be used.  If you really want one get the kind that is a bubble or styrofoam block to be worn on the back and secured by being belted in the front.   The one we have is coast guard certified.  You want nothing with air in it.   It is dangerous, and promotes drowning because from sun and chlorine damage it leaks air.  Swimmies are the worst and in fact hold a child underwater if one slips off.  This will not restrict his learning to swim correctly and in fact will enhance the prone swimming position.  The lifejacket will enhance the vertical position and restrict being able to learn to swim correctly.  If he is water adjusted (comfortable) then you can begin skills.  If not water adjusted make it fun sing songs talk about safety either way.  For the water adjusted child personally I believe in honesty, don't lie, step back let go if you promised not to.  Skills:

bubbles: To blow bubbles have him put his mouth in the water and blow.  If he won't scoop a handful of water in your hand and have him blow.  If he won't have him blow your hair.

jumping in: Have him stand on the side and jump to you.  If he is afraid let him hold your hands.  Once in put him in the football hold and tell him to kick and reach for the ladder.

sit dive: Have him sit on the side and place arms in the streamline position squeeze behind the ears and interlock the fingers.  Hold his hands together and pull him in.  When he can do this alone it is a front glide.  No supermans

back float: have him facing the wall holding on with both hands and feet planted on the wall.  Lean head back so ears go in the water.  Have him gently let go no kicking and tell him to place his hands on the tummy.  You only guide the head.  When he can do this by himself it is back glide.

elementary backstroke: support head only flutter kick say chicken, airplane, soldier with arms (up, out, together).  This works better if you try it on land first.

dunkin donuts: Have him bob 10X practicing breathing in through the mouth and exhaling in the water blowing bubbles

kicking on kickboard:  Have his arms be straight, and kick from the hip not bending knees and pointing toes.  This kick needs to get pretty strong

front crawl: football hold tell him big arms pull down and around in a big circle

That should be about as far as you are going to get this summer.  Good Luck!

Answer 5

OH honey, take him into the water. Let him get used to it. Dunk him under a few times. Show him and help him to float. Did you know that babies actually are very good at holding their breath under water? If that scares you, don't do it. You could always take him to some mommy son swimming lessons :)

Answer 6

Ok, I hate to disagree with the other answers, but you should never start out teaching a child to swim with a flotation device. It gives them a false sense of security. Play games with him trying to get him to put his face in the water and beginning to use the front crawl or freestyle stroke.  Also, begin working on floating (both front and back).  Invest in a little kickboard or even better a water noodle of some sort, this will help him to learn kicking.  Since he is still young just making him feel safe and comfortable in the water is one of the best things you can do for him.  Hope this helps!

Answer 7

Ok first thing you need to do is get him a life jacket. Keep him in the shallow water at first and make sure you're always right beside him. Then when he gets used to floating and swimming move on to the deeper water, then eventually take off of the lifejacket, but makes sure he knows how to stay above the water.

It would be better to wait maybe three more years (until he's around six or seven) but if you really want to teach him make sure you have a lot of paitence.