As our 1 year olds become more confident with both their submersion cue and their assisted submersions, we will look to increase their ability to enter the water safely by teaching self submersions.
This involved the child entering the water without being held and successfully holding their breath on entry.
From this activity we will then see their confidence grow to the point we can start asking them to look and move through the water.
We have a number of activities to introduce self-submersion from a range of heights and positions. Most crucial is that we make it a fun activity (usually with a song) with lots of celebration afterwards.
In the video you will see the student leaning forward stretching out for mum and opening his eyes as he reaches. This is correct form and a result of confidence and familiarity.