Top tips to help your child conquer the water

1. Encourage confidence 

It’s important to reinforce a positive attitude towards swimming. Taking the time to praise your child’s efforts and celebrate milestones – however small – will give them a sense of pride in their achievements and the motivation to keep going. 

Also, remember to reassure them when they face challenges, so that they develop the confidence to overcome them. 

2. Consistent attendance 

Ensure your child attends swimming lessons regularly. Consistency helps build skills and confidence. At Places Leisure, our swimming lessons follow the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework, which build water confidence gradually in stages until your child has learnt to become a competent swimmer.  

3. Practise outside lessons 

It’s a good idea to take your child swimming outside of lessons to reinforce what they're learning in class. In the early stages some of the skills can even be practised in the bath! Making it fun and a game is key! 

Did you know we offer FREE swimming for all children who do swimming lessons with us?* It’s a great way for your child to master what they’ve been learning, get used to practising without a teacher, and for you to be on hand to offer encouragement. 

4. Provide proper equipment 

Ensuring your child has the appropriate swimming equipment, such as goggles, swimming hat, and a properly fitting swimsuit, will enhance their comfort and performance. Remember to replace items during growth spurts and to check items such as goggles regularly to ensure they’re in good working order. 

5. Stay involved 

Make the effort to attend lessons when possible to show support and track progress. Encourage your child to listen to feedback from teachers and if you have any concerns contact our team at the centre who will be happy to help! Please note our teachers would love to talk to you but will not be able to during lessons where the focus has to be on the children in their classes. 

6. Promote safety 

Spend time with your child to emphasise the importance of water safety and encourage adherence to pool rules and instructions from teachers or lifeguards. Talking to them about the steps needed to stay safe in pools and open water is important too. 

Check out our top tips for swimming safely this summer. 

7. Celebrate achievements 

Remember to recognise and celebrate your child's progress in swimming, whether it's mastering a new stroke or completing a level. Everyone enjoys a pat on the back, but for a child learning to swim it’s doubly important that you go all out to cheer them on – for everything from keeping their face in the water to jumping in – so that they develop confidence and a love of the water! 

8. Be patient 

Bear in mind that learning to swim takes time and varies for each child. However keen you are for your child to master the skill, aim to avoid putting undue pressure on them and instead focus on their individual progress and enjoyment. A more relaxed approach gives your child the freedom to learn at the pace that’s right for them. 

The aim is to encourage a lifelong love of aquatic activity alongside learning a life skill! 

9. Take part yourself! 

Sometimes, the best way is to learn by example! Why not support your child to learn to swim by taking lessons yourself – whether you’re learning from scratch or you’re just looking to improve your technique? As well as providing swimming lessons for children, we also offer adult swimming lessons along with water-based exercise sessions such as Aquafit, that mean you can make learning to swim – and swimming better – a family challenge! 

10. A skill for life  

We hope these tips not only help your child to conquer the water but develop a lifelong love of water-based activity. Swimming is a skill for life and at Places Leisure we’re here to help the whole family develop their technique and confidence for a lifetime of water safety and fun. [include campaign logo?] 

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