And just like that, it’s the summer holidays again (although the weather doesn’t seem to have got the message yet!). I know six weeks can seem like a long time, particularly for our youngest Turtles, so I have put together a few suggestions of things you can practice over the summer holidays to keep those skills progressing. And all from the comfort of your own home!

• Bubbles: We talk about this one a lot in our lessons, but the skill of blowing bubbles doesn’t have to just be taught in the swimming pool. The obvious place to give this a go is the bath but any practice you can get for blowing things will help. Try blowing food to cool it down, a windmill, a dandelion or even try blowing some actual bubbles. You can also get them to try blowing bubbles into a drink although please don’t blame me for the bad habit!!
• Jumping: Many of you will notice when you first ask your toddler to jump into the pool it looks more like a step or a lean forward as opposed to a knees bent jump. It can take children a little while to learn this skill so find somewhere safe but fun to practice together at home. It is also a good idea to get them in the habit of toes on the edge and count to three before they jump off anything!
• Showers: Or splashes, or sprinkles or any other way of getting their face wet for that matter! Not all children are comfortable straight away with getting their face and hair wet so the more different ways you can introduce it to them the better. As always make it fun, for older children water toys are a great way of getting them to wash their own hair whilst younger ones might just enjoy watching you gently pour some water over them in the bath. Start with hands and feet first then build up.
• Kicking: You can also practice leg (or arm) actions on dry land. Older children can lay on a cushion on the floor and pretend to swim (be as imaginative as you like setting up the “swimming pool” with blue blankets and toys!) whilst younger ones can sit on your lap and practice kicking or swimming arms. Obviously, you can also could also practice kicking in the bath but I take no responsibility for the state of your bathroom at the end….

Of course, it also helps if you and your child can get to a swimming pool, but while you’re there please don’t feel you have to recreate a whole lesson. Yes, a few reminders of key practices here and there certainly won’t hurt but its often more beneficial just to enjoy time in the water together. So, if they normally spend the whole lesson wanting to jump in or chase a ball or just splash their arms then let them!  A love of the water is about more than just having the right skills to swim; it’s about playing, experimenting and having fun with those we love.

I’ll miss you all over the next 6 weeks but can’t wait to see you back in the pool in September!