We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Justin Douglas Wolfenberg

I’ve seen a lot of parents who don’t have a lot of confidence as swimmers still have an incredibly positive experience at the pool all summer long with their children.

It’s easy.

It doesn’t take a lot of time.

Anyone can do this, regardless of your swimming experience.

It's a joyful experience when a parent and child learn together by taking something scary and intimidating and overcoming it together.

I would love for you and your child to have that same experience. I’ve seen it happen for many parents.

Read more

I’ve seen a lot of parents who don’t have a lot of confidence as swimmers still have an incredibly positive experience at the pool all summer long with their children.

It’s easy.

It doesn’t take a lot of time.

Anyone can do this, regardless of your swimming experience.

It's a joyful experience when a parent and child learn together by taking something scary and intimidating and overcoming it together.

I would love for you and your child to have that same experience. I’ve seen it happen for many parents.

In fact, I was recently in the pool with family friends of ours. Byron, the dad, didn’t know what to do with his kids, so I showed him some of the things I’ll teach you in the course and by the end of the day he was teaching his kids and they were all having a great time.

It was so different from what I saw in years of group swimming lessons led by a stranger. It was so productive, the kids learned so much faster, and the bonding experience that took place between the parent and the child was invaluable.

I would love for you to have that same kind of experience this summer.

Simply go through the checkout process for the course and we’ll immediately start going into more depth about your child’s first experience in the water with you.

We’ll also teach you how to help your child…

  • feel comfortable and safe jumping into the water

  • going under water

  • floating on his/her back

  • breathing in the water without panic

  • learning to kick

  • learn foundations of swimming that can last lifetime. I will teach you the right order. This matters.

So go through the checkout process, buy the course, and I will look forward to seeing you on the other side where we’ll get further into teaching your young child to be safe and comfortable around the pool.

Let’s do it.

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

We found an offer that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn. All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

What's inside

Syllabus

Prepare your child with right mindset to start swimming lessons with you

You will learn a way to talk to your child about the first lesson that will have them excited and help calm any fears they may have.

Read more
Recap and Action Steps

We will show you a great way to get your child to jump into the water a with smile on their face.

You will learn to do swim lessons with highest priority on safety

In this video we outline the safety procedures you will set up with your child to ensure that safety is the highest priority. 

The first time a child enters the water for your lesson can set the whole tone of your lesson. We will share how to make the first time a success.

You will learn how to get your child to enter the water for the first time with as little drama as possible. These steps we share will set you up for success. 

We will give the steps for your first lesson and show you a demonstration

I will show an actual demonstration in the water of how to do your first lesson.

See an example of what do at first with your younger child to help them get comfortable in the water.

Help your child enter the water the first time
Sample Lessons
We will show how to teach your child bobs (going underwater repeatedly). A great way to learn to get a breath while swimming.

We will show you a great technique for teaching your child how to go underwater over and over again while taking breaths.

Another example of bobs
Advanced bobs
You will learn the technique to get your child to jump into the water successfully
You will learn the skills to one of the most difficult parts of teaching swimming. How to get your child to go underwater.

Learn how to get your child to go underwater!

Another Example of Going Underwater
You will learn a simple way to teach your child how to float on their back.

You will learn how to get your child to relax and float successfully on their back

back float with kicking demonstrating head back and belly up
We show the proper technique for kicking your legs while you are swimming

There is proper way to kick your legs while you are swimming.  We will show you the right way. 

The first teaching principle of a good lesson is for it to be very simple. Typically we overwhelm the child with too much information
Keeping it simple
We will show you how to use the teaching principal of modeling. You do it first then they imitate you
Teach by Modeling
You will learn the great technique of teaching your child using their own bodies as a learning tool
Physical Learning
We will talk about the power of encouragement and share some strategies that will help you do it better

We will give you some helpful tips and strategies to encourage your child well. 

An effective way to teach is do to it over and over quickly avoiding a long drawn out teaching time

When teaching your child to swim, repetition is key to learning and failure is no big deal.  You will learn how to teach something quickly and give your child the opportunity to practice it often.

You will learn the secret to presenting regular challenges to your child during the lesson and see how it will them improve

You will learn the power of presenting regular challenges to your child throughout the lesson and how to handle it if they don't complete the challenge successfully. 

You will learn the helpful technique of teaching your lesson in different parts of the pool. It creates variety and sense of progression for your lesson
Moving Stations
You will learn some fun ways to celebrate your child's success in the pool.
Celebrate!
We help you set up your first lesson depending on your child's age
Sample lesson plan by age
See an advanced summary of all the lessons learned in this class

This course is for swim lesson instructors.  It contains a lot of review plus additional information

Save this course

Save Swimming Skills for Kids to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Swimming Skills for Kids with these activities:
Review Water Safety Guidelines
Reinforce essential water safety knowledge to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for your child.
Show steps
  • Research current water safety guidelines from reputable organizations.
  • Review common pool rules and emergency procedures.
  • Discuss safety rules with your child before starting lessons.
Review 'Swimming for Dummies' by Janet Evans
Gain a broader understanding of swimming techniques and water safety principles.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Swimming for Dummies'.
  • Read the book and focus on the sections relevant to teaching children.
  • Use the book as a reference for improving your own swimming skills.
Read 'Teach Your Baby to Swim' by Bonnie Prudden
Learn techniques for teaching infants and young children to swim, building water confidence and skills.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Teach Your Baby to Swim'.
  • Read the book and highlight key techniques and exercises.
  • Incorporate the book's recommendations into your swimming lessons.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Practice Holding Breath
Practice holding breath to improve comfort and confidence underwater, a crucial skill for young swimmers.
Show steps
  • Start by holding breath for a few seconds outside the water.
  • Gradually increase the duration of breath-holding.
  • Practice exhaling slowly underwater.
Create a Pool Safety Checklist
Create a pool safety checklist to reinforce learning and ensure a safe swimming environment.
Show steps
  • Research essential pool safety measures.
  • Design a visually appealing and easy-to-understand checklist.
  • Share the checklist with other parents or caregivers.
Design a Personalized Swimming Lesson Plan
Create a personalized swimming lesson plan tailored to your child's age, skill level, and learning style.
Show steps
  • Assess your child's current swimming abilities and comfort level.
  • Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for the lessons.
  • Outline the activities, drills, and games you will use in each lesson.
  • Adjust the plan as needed based on your child's progress and feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Swimming Skills for Kids will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Swimming Instructor
A swimming instructor teaches people of all ages and skill levels how to swim. This course, with its emphasis on creating a positive and safe learning environment for children, perfectly complements the skills needed for this role. The course's lessons on helping children feel comfortable jumping into the water, going underwater, and floating can directly translate into effective teaching techniques. Aspiring swimming instructors may find the segment on the right order of teaching to be very helpful. You may find the course's section on sample lesson plans by age and teaching principles helpful. This course may help you learn how to make swimming a fun and confidence-building experience for the kids you teach.
Water Safety Instructor
A water safety instructor teaches courses in water safety, accident prevention, and basic water rescue. This course is helpful. You may find that the emphasis on helping children feel safe and comfortable in the water is foundational to water safety education. The course may help you discuss how to approach instruction while emphasizing the importance of jump in, go under water, and/or float. You may find the components on safety procedures to be particularly relevant.
Nanny
Nannies provide childcare services in a family's home. This course may be a valuable asset for nannies who want to teach the children in their care how to swim. Nannies may find the course's segments on helping children feel comfortable in the water and strategies for teaching basic swimming skills to be incredibly useful. Nannies may also learn to implement and communicate about safety procedures. You may find lessons on repetition and celebration to be valuable.
Camp Counselor
Camp counselors supervise children in a variety of activities, including swimming. This course may be particularly useful for camp counselors who are responsible for the safety and well-being of children in and around the water. The course emphasizes strategies for helping children feel comfortable in the water, teaching them basic swimming skills, and creating a positive learning environment. The learning modules on jumping into the water, going underwater, and floating may give camp counselors ideas for activities to do with children. Camp counselors may find the sections on celebration useful.
Cruise Ship Recreation Staff
Cruise ship recreation staff organize and lead recreational activities for passengers, including swimming pool games and activities. This course is helpful. Cruise ship staff may find the section on helping children feel comfortable and safe in the water to be helpful, as they will often interact with children and families. Staff may find the learning modules on jumping in, going underwater, and floating useful for creating engaging pool activities. Cruise ship staff who wish to gain a better understanding of how to teach kids to swim will find this training useful.
Lifeguard
Lifeguards monitor swimming areas and ensure the safety of swimmers. While lifeguarding primarily focuses on rescue and safety protocols, this "Swimming Skills for Kids" course could be quite beneficial. You may find the sessions on helping children overcome fears in the water and practicing safe swimming techniques to be relevant. A lifeguard needs to be able to quickly assess a swimmer's comfort and skill level and guide them towards safety. Lifeguards may benefit in this course from the modules focused on safety procedures, modeling, and encouragement.
Recreation Leader
Recreation leaders plan, organize, and direct recreational activities, often including swimming programs. This course may be useful for recreation leaders who work with children in aquatic settings. The course is helpful, given its discussion of how to create a positive learning experience. You may find that insights for helping children feel comfortable and safe in the water can translate into engaging and successful recreation programs that improve physical literacy. Recreation leaders who wish to gain deeper insight into swimming fundamentals may find this training useful.
Swim Coach
A swim coach trains athletes to improve their swimming technique, speed, and endurance for competitive events. While this course focuses on foundational skills for kids, it may be surprisingly relevant to coaching. You may find its emphasis on proper kicking technique and breathing to be useful for developing drills and training plans. The course's lessons on encouragement and presenting challenges can also inform your coaching style. This course can give aspiring swim coaches insights into the fundamentals of swimming instruction and methods for building confidence in young swimmers.
Physical Education Teacher
Physical education teachers instruct students in various sports and physical activities, including swimming. This course can be a valuable resource for physical education teachers who want to enhance their swimming instruction skills. This course helps you learn techniques to get your students comfortable and confident in the water. You may find the segments on teaching specific skills like kicking and breathing useful, allowing you to teach your students swimming fundamentals in an engaging manner. The lessons on repetition and creating regular challenges may also be useful.
Adaptive Swim Instructor
An adaptive swim instructor teaches swimming skills to individuals with disabilities or special needs. This course may be helpful, given its focus on creating a positive and supportive learning environment. Adaptive swim instructors may find that the course's lessons on building confidence; the lessons on safety procedures, modeling, and encouragement are relevant for adapting swimming instruction to meet diverse needs. Adaptive swim instructors may find this to be a good introduction to swimming, and a supplement to more specialized training.
Parenting Coach
Parenting coaches advise and support parents on child-rearing techniques. While this course primarily teaches swimming instruction, it could offer parenting coaches valuable insights into fostering parent-child bonding through shared activities. The course emphasizes the joyful experience of parents and children learning together. Parenting coaches may find that the course's lessons on encouragement, creating challenges, and celebrating successes can be adapted to other parenting contexts. This course may be helpful as a way to foster active parenting.
Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. The special education teacher adapts general lesson plans to meet the needs of students with disabilities. This course may be useful, given its focus on creating a positive and supportive learning environment. Special education teachers may find that the course's lessons on building confidence, safety procedures, modeling, and encouragement are relevant for adapting swimming instruction. Special education teachers may find that the course introduces students to new techniques.
Recreational Therapist
Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. While this course is specifically focused on teaching children to swim, the underlying principles of creating a positive and engaging learning experience may be relevant to recreational therapy. You may find that techniques for building water comfort and basic swimming skills can be adapted for therapeutic activities. Recreational therapists may use the course to foster a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment. This course may be useful.
Aquatic Therapist
Aquatic therapists use water-based exercises and activities to rehabilitate patients with injuries or disabilities. While this course focuses on teaching children to swim, some of its principles may be adapted for therapeutic purposes. An aquatic therapist strives to provide a positive therapeutic environment that is conducive to healing. Principles such as the importance of establishing a positive mindset, establishing habits, and celebrating may all have some bearing on the work of an aquatic therapist. This course may be useful.
Preschool Teacher
Preschool teachers educate and care for young children in a preschool setting. Although not directly related to swimming instruction, this course may be a useful resource for preschool teachers who want to promote water safety awareness among their students. You may find the course's lessons on making it easier for children to jump in, go under water, and float, as a means to discuss safety. Preschool teachers may find the segments on celebrating and encouraging children particularly helpful.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Swimming Skills for Kids.
Provides a general overview of swimming techniques and water safety. It good resource for parents who are not confident swimmers themselves. It offers basic instruction on various swimming strokes and drills. It is more valuable as additional reading to provide background knowledge than as a current reference during lessons.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser