How to Help Children with Fear of Water
How to Help a Nervous Child to Swim
Learning to swim is an essential life skill that not only promotes physical fitness from baby through to old age, but also builds confidence and ensures safety in and around all areas of water. However, for some children, the idea of swimming can be intimidating and nerve-wracking. Here at Sun Tot Swim we understand that to better assist nervous swimmers in overcoming their fears, it is crucial to adopt a calm and reassuring approach whilst teaching.
FIVE GOLDEN RULES YOU NEED TO TEACH A NERVOUS SWIMMER:
To be reassuring and confident.
To be kind and make the lesson fun.
To build trust and bond with the little one.
Adapt firm boundaries, so it doesn’t all seem overwhelming.
Know how to teach swimming to different learning styles.
Nervous children need someone who is not only qualified and experienced enough to navigate them through the journey of learning how to swim, but someone who also has the right amount of empathy and knowledge within their tool set to teach their swimmer how best to overcome any fear and anxiety. At Sun Tot Swim we have created a teaching method that is structured within easily learned layers; ideal for those who need clear and calm approach and offers little ones to feel good about their achievements. We also understand that every swimmer is unique, and their fears and learning styles may vary.
1. WE ESTABLISH TRUST AND BUILD RAPPORT
The first step in helping nervous children learn to swim is to establish trust and build a strong rapport with our new little ones.
2. WE CREATE A SAFE AND COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT
We make sure our swimmers are familiar with their surroundings and free from distractions. We ask them to bring their favourite toy with them, so they have something reassuring around them, we use it to encourage play, and guide them through the lesson at their pace. Stickers at the end of the lesson is also a really nice reminder for them to go home with and show off!
HELPING YOUR CHILD FEEL SAFE: CONFIDENCE STARTS WITH YOU
Children pick up on their parents’ emotions. If you show confidence and enthusiasm around water, your child is more likely to feel at ease.
Stay Relaxed – Speak in a calm, encouraging tone. Avoid showing hesitation or fear, even if you have your own concerns about water.
Make It Fun – Laugh, smile, and engage in playful activities like splashing or blowing bubbles. Your enjoyment reassures them.
Lead by Example – Get in the water with them. Demonstrate simple actions like dipping your face or floating to show it’s safe.
Use Positive Language – Replace phrases like "Don't be scared" with "You’re doing great!" or "This is fun!" to reinforce confidence.
Avoid Pressure – Let them progress at their own pace. Celebrate small achievements and always end on a positive note.
Your attitude shapes their experience—keep it supportive, patient, and fun!
3. WE INCORPORATE FUN AND PLAYFULNESS
A big part of our teaching method is to make swimming lessons enjoyable by incorporating fun and playfulness throughout the lesson. We make use of toys, games, colourful equipment and encouraging communication to engage a nervous swimmer’s interest and make the learning process more enjoyable. Positive reinforcement plays a vital role in helping nervous children overcome their fears, and praising their efforts no matter how small.
ACTIVITIES TO BUILD WATER CONFIDENCE AT HOME
Helping a nervous child feel comfortable in water starts at home. Simple activities can make a significant impact on their confidence.
Bathtub Play – Let your child pour water using cups, blow bubbles, and feel the sensation of water on their face.
Splashing Games – In a small inflatable pool, encourage gentle splashing to reduce fear of water movement.
Floating Toys – Introduce floating toys to create a fun, low-pressure water experience.
Watering Can Practice – Pour water over their arms and shoulders to simulate swimming sensations.
These activities familiarize children with water in a stress-free environment, preparing them for swimming lessons.
4. WE BREAK DOWN LEARNING SKILLS AND STROKES INTO MANAGEABLE STEPS
By breaking down skills into manageable steps, our method is to then progress to teaching the swimmer the core foundations of swimming, such as water safety, floating, correct breathing technique, and moving through the water.
5. WE ARE PATIENT AND UNDERSTANDING
Patience and understanding are key to teaching anything! We avoid pressuring or rushing nervous little ones, as this may further exacerbate their fears. We focus on building confidence gradually, allowing swimmers to set their own pace, while providing gentle guidance and support.
By creating a safe and comfortable environmentfor your little one, and offering individualised instruction with a friendly and supportive approach, we not only empower nervous swimmers to overcome their fears and develop essential swimming skills, but we also teach them all the joys that swimming and being in the water can bring!
