Ways to Work on Swimming without Water 

Your little swimmer can practice swim skills at home! Don’t have a pool? No problem! Even if you don’t have a community pool nearby, or if the weather is bad (if it’s too cold, rainy or even snowing), some of the key fundamental parts of swimming can still be practiced. For a golden experience, make a fun non-pool swim practice time and you can both be silly while learning!

Practice Windmill Arms While Standing Up 

Having a strong stroke is important in making effective forward movements in the water. While standing up, practice making windmill motions: Starting with the right arm, have your little swimmer swing it straight back, then straight up pressed up against his or her ear, then extended straight out in front to pull it down back to the starting position. Then repeat on the left side. (Moms and dads, this can even be a great exercise for you!)

For our Junior 3’s and above, this is a key step that will come in handy. Be sure to stress keeping those arms straight and close to the head. While you’re at it, make sure those fingers are together and ready to “cup” the water. Then, when it’s time to hit the water, your goldfish will already be making great strides in seeing some extraordinary results!

Lie Down to Work on Straight Leg Kicks

Did you ever think you’d actually want your kids to practice kicking?! Don’t worry; it’s just tiny kicks that are actually useful so your young swimmer can have some effective kicks in the water.

To practice, have your swimmer lie down on the ground on his or her belly and raise up first the right leg, then the left leg – without bending his or her knees! Go slowly at first to ensure correct form. You can make it a fun game by putting your hand there for those little feet to hit as they go higher and higher. It’s hard for little ones to remember not to bend their knees in the water, so if you practice straight legs at home, it will only help when it comes time to start kicking during lessons or Family Swim.

Play “Hold Your Breath” to Improve Breath Control

One of the coolest benefits of learning to swim at Goldfish Swim School is the focus on the “basics” of swimming – including breath control. Little by little each week, your goldfish will learn how to hold his or her breath for longer and longer stretches. You can help at home by practicing, too!

Make a game of who can hold their breath longer – out of the water – while looking at each other and making silly faces. Exhale slowly, then practice some windmill arms or leg kicks and do it again. Start small and follow your child’s lead. Celebrate learning this necessary part of swimming!

Watch Pro Swimmers & Imitate Their Movements 

The excitement of Olympic swimming or any competitive water sports can be a great way to learn more about swimming technique. Watching online videos of professionals is a fun way to make swimming come alive. There are also many great videos on the different swim strokes that can give kids a head start on swimming vocabulary before they jump in the pool with an instructor.  

Goldfish Swim School

When it’s time to take those skills from dry land into the water, contact your local Goldfish Swim School location and sign up for lessons today! Goldfish Swim School instructors use integrity, compassion and trust to teach young ones ages 4 months and older how to swim (how’s that for some WOW! customer service?!). Check out our swim levels to find the perfect class or consider joining us for a family swim near you!.