In addition to the preparatory exercises, some core exercises are required.
Use a swim mat. The child lies down on the mat in the airplane position, correct the leg and arm position. Then the child should put his face in the water for five seconds and hold his breath. After practicing with the mat several times, you can remove it with advance warning. The mat provides stability so that the child can easily remove their legs from the floor. Alternatively, you can hold the child with both arms, but this is less comfortable.
Stand straight in water with your legs closed and hands at your sides. Let yourself fall forward like a board and ask your child to imitate it. Make sure you have enough space and a water depth of at least half a meter, depending on size and weight. This exercise serves as a test of courage and helps to release your feet from the ground. With sufficient distance and depth, there is a low risk of injury.
This exercise involves practicing the correct posture while standing. The best way to do this is by showing. First, stand up straight and then push your legs shoulder-width apart. The last thing to do is raise your arms. The child should imitate every step. Then hold your breath visibly for five seconds. This exercise seems very banal. However, it helps your child understand the correct posture better. It is easier for children to copy an upright posture.
Use a swim noodle or a swim board on the water. The child holds onto it with one hand and takes part in the “diving competition.” At your signal, the child dives until you remove the swimming noodle. Start with two seconds and gradually increase the time. This entertaining exercise promotes small successes and improves the child's ability to stay underwater longer — important for the core “airplane” exercise, which requires holding the breath for at least five seconds.
Some children are reluctant to release their legs from the ground, fearing that they will have to straighten their legs immediately to float in the water. Not stretching causes you to fall forward, which is safe in water, but the natural reaction of intercepting the fall with hands and legs ends the exercise. Despite the desire of many children to slowly stretch their legs, this is not effective. Previous exercises can help reduce reflexes and increase confidence in water.
