You’ve decided to teach your child to swim. Sure, you knew there’d be some difficulties, but they’re so scared of the water that they don’t even want to come to the poolside! You wonder - Are all children afraid of the water at first? Is there anything I can do to help my child when they’re afraid of the water?

A lot of children fear water when they first start swimming. They’re trying something new, so of course they’d be a bit wary of it. Children who aren’t scared usually start from a very young age, even before they’re 1. But if your toddler has never been in the water before, here are some helpful tips and strategies to get them used to swimming.

How do I get my child over their fear of water?

Be patient. You might never know what exactly triggers this fear of water. They could have seen a dog frantically paddling, or another child crying in the water. The key thing is to make sure that they're comfortable with you. Let them know that it is okay to be scared.

Make sure they have the right equipment. Even if most children their age don’t need it, floating equipment such as water wings, armbands and floats can give your child that much-needed confidence to go into the water. Just remember that floatation equipment is no substitute for swimming, so don’t leave them alone and make sure you keep them within arm's length.

Get them used to water at home. If your little one’s baths are usually quick, consider letting them bathe for a little longer. Let the water go slightly higher than normal, and let them splash about. This can help with their confidence when it comes to swimming in a big pool.

Get into the pool with them. Lead by example, and show them that the water is nothing to be afraid of. If they decide to come in, don’t pressure them to start swimming just yet. Just hold them and let them get used to being in the water.

So, we’ve seen some tips for helping your child get over their fear of water. But how will you know when your child is ready for swimming lessons?

When is my child ready for swimming lessons?

Whilst babies can certainly come into the water from any age, it’s not recommended to start formal swimming lessons until they are at least 1 year old. Before then, babies can’t raise their heads well enough above the water to breathe properly. Water-play classes on the other hand, where you play with your baby/toddler in the pool, are always a good idea.

If you have an older child, consider going into the pool with them a few times before booking any formal lessons. If they’re still apprehensive about the water, let their swim coach know beforehand.

Remember, their fear of the water will pass. All they need is time and patience from you.

Why is my child afraid of water?

Get your child used to water with Unii’s tips.