In addition to the preparatory exercises, some core exercises are required.
Children are looking for diving rings in the children's pool as a pirate treasure hunt. Pool depth enables gradual challenges: first rings are easily accessible, later bending required, last rings require brief immersion. Motivate children to recover the entire “gold” treasure
Place a ping pong ball in the water in front of the child. The aim is to blow the ball to the other side of the pool. The child quickly realizes that they need to keep their mouth close to the ball and the water surface in order to move it efficiently. Getting their heads closer to water is a major challenge for many children. After a few rounds, you can intensify the exercise by showing the child how to blow into the water and create bubble bubbles.
Splash up water with your child and let it fall down like an uneven shower. This simple exercise can help water-shy children gradually get used to water. Repeat them on multiple pool visits. Over time, the exercise may even turn into a fun water fight between parent and child if the child gets involved confidently.
In this exercise, you use a gymnastic hoop, or alternatively a swimming noodle. Your child should dive under the ring (or noodle) and reappear with a jump. The focus is on diving. At first, you may allow the ring to be lifted up with your arms. This can provide children with initial experiences of success. However, as attempts increase, the ring should be held more firmly to eventually get the child to dive face under water.
In this advanced exercise, kids learn to open their eyes underwater. Use dive rings or other visible objects. Dive underwater with your child, briefly show the objects and hide them again before they reappear. After showing up, ask what your child saw underwater. Make sure that the chosen object is clearly visible; bright colors are better than fine details such as fingers.
We understand that it's frustrating when kids don't want to dive their heads under water. However, we strongly advise against forcing the child to do so. Hide your frustration and encourage the joy of water instead. Pushing too hard in the first approximations can develop a long-term aversion to water.