How to submerge my child in the water?

Submerging your child underwater for the first time can be a scary thing but at Paradise Swim it is a slow progression throughout 2-3 lessons to get your child underwater for the first time ensuring your child's comfort and your own.

The use of verbal cues for your child helps them to understand and register that water is coming. This verbal cue 'Name, Ready, Go!' is used throughout your child's swimming lessons at Paradise Swim. The consistency of this cue throughout a lesson helps your child to close their eyes and shut their mouth upon entry to the water.

Now how do we actually submerge our child successfully?

If it is your first lesson at Paradise Swim, you may feel a bit nervous about submersions, but our instructors will guide you through ensuring you and your child are comfortable. The first step is to hold your child out with your arms extended, next we use our command term 'Name, Ready, Go!' and slightly lift them out of the water before dipping their head underwater (This may only be for 1 second, you will be advised by the instructor depending on your child's age and their water comfortability). The slower you go the better success we have in a breath hold.

What about if my child keeps swallowing water?

Every child will swallow some water at some point during swimming lessons, but we don't want this to be an excessive amount. Slow submersions are the key to your child not swallowing water. To slowly submerge your child, it is important that you take your time in the verbal cue. Lift up your child slowly giving them time to register to close their eyes and hold their breath for a successful submersion.