Fun with Fabulous Back Floats!
For some children, performing a front or back float can be challenging. Reluctant floaters resist the skill for many reasons, preferring to be as active in the water as possible. However, it is critical that, in addition to regular year-round swimming lessons, you encourage them to practice their back and front floats.
Why knowing how to float is important…
Being able to float allows swimmers to take a much-needed rest in a safe, restorative way. Floats allow swimmers to work out cramps, adjust their goggles, or simply recover from an intense workout. Strong floating skills are integral to becoming a well-rounded, water-safe swimmer.
Practice makes perfect!
Practicing how to float outside the pool can be simple, especially with small children. The bathtub or a lowered-temperature hot tub are great places to practice front and back floats. This smaller space allows anxious floaters to feel more comfortable. The familiarity of being at home can help build confidence.
For very anxious swimmers, try filling the bathtub with just enough water so they can still feel the bottom for security. Over time, gradually add more water until they are floating freely.
The Basics of Floating…
Ideally, all swimmers should be able to move into a front float and hold their position for five to ten seconds. The ideal front float shape resembles a star, with straight arms and legs extended at a 45-degree angle. At water level, there should be a straight line from the top of the head down the spine and through the legs to the heels. This means the eyes are gazing straight down at the pool floor.
The back float follows the same shape. Ideally, the ears rest just below the water’s surface and the eyes gaze upward toward the ceiling. Many swimmers tend to drop their hips, causing their torso to sink. Try this trick: tell your child to imagine a string tied to their belly button that pulls their tummy up toward the sky.
Once a swimmer can confidently hold both front and back floats, practice rolling from front to back repeatedly. This builds confidence and encourages breath control. Rolling from front to back is also one of our Milestone Ribbon skills.
Introduce creativity!
For some swimmers, boredom—not fear—prevents them from floating. High-energy kids may struggle to stay still for five to ten seconds. Try making floating fun by introducing creative shapes.
Encourage floating like a ball, pencil, soldier, different letters, a frog, or even a shark. Kids love exploring the water, and playful floating helps keep them engaged. The only limit is your imagination!
