Once you’ve taught your kids the body position for the back float, you’re ready to move this swimming skill into the pool. Here’s how to teach the next stage of learning the back float.

The Second Stage of Teaching the Back Float

In the water, hold your child with his back to your chest, so that he feels strongly supported. Lower both of you into the water, keeping your child’s head touching your body his shoulders resting on your chest. Standing behind your child is useful, because his desire to see your face will help him to keep his head tilted back.

You can make your child more comfortable by using your shadow to cover his face while he’s learning to float. He won’t have to squint into a glare or turn to avoid it, and his tendency to try to see your face will help him to tilt his head back.

Often people tell kids to lift their bellies or hips when they’re trying to float. Instead, try telling your child to press his chest down. Make sure he keeps his head in line with his body. Lifting his head will make him sink.

Lifting any body part out of the water makes floating difficult or impossible. Try it yourself. Float on your back and see what happens if you lift your arm. It throws off your balance and decreases your buoyancy.

Have your child practice floating in the bathtub if he’s small enough.