Back swimming; Get your toddler to lie back with their head on your shoulder you can practice star floats and “lazy armchairs” i.e. lying back on a woggle. Encourage them to get their head back so their ears are in the water “listening to the fishes”. Also encourage them to get their tummy up. If they

resist being on their back, try distraction tactics like looking up in a mirror. Just a few seconds each time, don’t force them to lie back if they don’t want to.

Front swimming; use a side hold and chase toys and encourage toddlers to scoop “like a digger” towards them. They may need reminding that they need to kick too! If you are swimming with friends, races across the pool can be great fun.

Have a read of the fun activity sheet for babies 6-18 months to see if you have covered all the points, remember these activities are just as relevant for older children too. Don’t forget ... if at first they resist new activities or equipment, try again a couple of weeks later.

Fun activities 18 months +Lesson One

Mix your activities with a little swimming on their front and a little swimming on their back each swimming session. You are encouraging a stream line position in the water.

Exit the pool safely reminding toddlers not to run on the slippy sides

Warm up at the start of your session with a fun activity each week, such as a song with lots of movement, the wheels on the bus or the grand old duke.

Enjoy your swimming and see you soon at Little Splashers!

Enjoy your swimming time.... play with a little structure.

Safe EntrySafe entry into the water for you and baby at all times, practice your swivel entries and show toddlers as well.

Warm up

Mix your activities

Front swimmingBack swimming

Safe Exit