How to Prepare Your Child for Swimming Lessons

The first swimming lesson can be an exciting moment – both for your child and for you as a parent. So how do you make sure that first step goes smoothly? In this blog, we share practical tips to help you prepare your child mentally, physically, and playfully for swim class.

Why Preparation Matters

A well-prepared start helps:

• Reduce your child's stress or fear

• Accelerate progress in the water

• Make lessons more enjoyable

1. Talk About It Early

Explain calmly what swim lessons are like. Use positive language:“You’ll learn to float, splash, look underwater... and maybe even wear goggles!”

Tip: read a book together about learning to swim.

2. Practice Water Familiarization at Home

Water familiarization is the foundation. Let your child:

• Blow bubbles in the bath

• Pour water over their own head

• Retrieve toys underwater (in the bath or kiddie pool)

Goal: build confidence in and with water.

3. Use a Buoyancy Suit

An EasySwim buoyancy suit provides support while allowing full freedom of movement. It's ideal for practicing during holidays, in the pool, or even in a shallow paddling pool.

4. Visit the Pool Together (Before the First Lesson)

Take a pre-visit to the swim school location:

• What does it look like?

• Where do you change clothes?

• Where will you be sitting as a parent?

This way, your child knows what to expect.

5. Make it Fun and Build Confidence

Let your child pick their own towel, flip-flops or swim bag. Involving them in the preparation helps them feel confident and in control. A good preparation is key to a positive first swimming experience. By practicing playfully, communicating openly, and giving your child a sense of autonomy, you create the ideal foundation for both water fun and swim skills.