Building Water Confidence - Garsfontein Aquatic Centre

How Swimming Books Can Help Build Water Confidence

The purpose of Learn to Swim Books are to make learning and swimming education fun, accessible and encouraging, while helping children develop skills, water confidence and safe habits.

The books can improve water confidence and the child can become familiar with swimming skills in a relaxed and enjoyable way – before even getting into the pool.

A swimming book does not replace supervised swimming lessons or hands-on practice, but it can reinforce what children learn in the pool. When children understand a skill, practise it gradually and celebrate their progress, they can begin to feel more capable, comfortable and confident in the water.

Swimming books can improve water confidence by:

Reduce uncertainty:

Children can see and learn about activities such as blowing bubbles, kicking, floating and putting their face in the water before trying them.

Build water confidence

Help children become familiar with swimming and water – related activities.

Make learning and swimming fun:

Stories, pictures, games and challenges can help children develop a positive association with swimming. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, children can focus on one achievable skill at a time.

Teach basic swimming skills

Introduction to skills such as kicking, blowing bubbles and going under the water.

Encourage practice:

Repeating familiar activities helps children become more comfortable with new skills.

Reduce fear and anxiety

Familiarising children with swimming concepts can make new experiences feel less overwhelming.

Teach water – safety

Introduce important safety habits in an appropriate way.

Encourage a positive attitude:

Books can teach children that it is okey to make mistakes and that confidence grows through practice.

Involve parents:

Parents can use age – appropriate activities from the book to support learning outside swimming lessons.

Help children feel prepared:

Knowing what to expect can make a new swimming experience feel less scary.

Develop perseverance

Show children that swimming skills take time, patience and practice.

Support the swimming journey

Help children progress from their first experience in water towards greater independence and confidence.

5 Fun Activities to Practise Water Confidence

1. Blow Bubbles

(Benny Beaver learns to blow bubbles)

Encourage your child to blow bubbles on the surface of the water. As they become comfortable, try blowing bubbles with their mouth just under the water.

2. Find The Treasure

(Henry Hippo learns to go under water)

Place colourful sinking toys in shallow water and encourage your child to pick them up. Start with toys close to the surface and gradually place them deeper.

3. Jump And Splash

(Roger Rabbit learns to jump)

Let your child jump into the pool from the steps or pool edge while you support them. Make it playful by saying, ‘’Ready, set, SPLASH!’’

4. Starfish Floating

(Willy Whale learns to swim on his back)

Support your child’s head and back while encouraging them to lie on their back like a starfish. Sing a song or count together to make floating feel safe and fun.