This activity plan is ideal for children aged 3 to 6, especially those who are still getting familiar with the water or need a safe, play-based introduction to swimming.
It can also be easily adapted for children on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities, as it is structured, repeatable, and can be done with a parent.
Getting Comfortable in Water & Balance
Goal:
Building a sense of safety, body awareness, floating, and coordination.
Equipment:
- watering can or small bucket
- small rubber toy (e.g. animal figure)
- kickboard or noodle
Activities:
- Water pouring game – The child pours water on you, then you pour water on them. (Avoid the face unless they ask!)
- Splashing – From a squat, let them slap the water with their hands. Great for activating low-tone arms.
- Supported floating – Hold them on their back with their head on your shoulder, legs floating. You can narrate: “You’re riding on a cloud…”
- Toy fishing – Throw a floating toy and let them bring it back like a puppy.
- Stepping under water – Walk through shallow water with high knees. Say: “You’re a dinosaur now!”
Breathing & Face Immersion
Goal:
Preparing for submersion, nasal exhalation, and building water confidence.
Equipment:
- small cup or watering can
- bubble wand (optional)
- small ball or floating toy
Activities:
- Bubble blowing – Blow bubbles outside the water, then in, using mouth or straw (like a motor sound).
- “Hair washing” game – Gently pour water over each other’s heads like in the shower. Say: “Shampoo, shampoo, rinse!”
- Face dip with toy kiss – “Kiss” a toy under water (only if the child agrees).
- Ball blowing – Blow a small ball across the surface like wind.
- Developing skill: “Fish kiss” – Forehead into the water, hold for a few seconds (count from 1 to 3 together).
Gliding & Leg Movements
Goal:
Body alignment, floating position, leg propulsion – pre-swimming mechanics.
Equipment:
- kickboard or noodle
- floating target (e.g. hoop)
Activities:
- Water circling – You hold them while they pedal their legs in a circle like a helicopter.
- Rocket glide – Child stretches arms forward on a kickboard, and you gently push from behind. Say: “3, 2, 1… blast off!”
- Kicking with support – They hold the board and kick while you support their hips.
- Sitting leg splashes – Sit on the pool edge and splash water with feet. Compete: “Who makes the biggest splash?”
- Toy grab – Glide forward and “catch” a floating toy mid-glide.
Diving & Object Retrieval
Goal:
Building courage to dive, hand-eye coordination, controlled breathing.
Equipment:
- sinking toys
- swim goggles (if the child likes them)
- hoop or floating marker
Activities:
- Bubble countdown – Count from 5 to 1 as they blow bubbles into the water, gradually for longer each time.
- Treasure hunt in shallow water – Drop toys and let them pick them up (initially only submerging to mouth level).
- “Hidden fish” game – Hide a toy near the pool wall; they must find it.
- Head dip – You count, they try to “hide” under the water for a moment.
- Swim through the hoop – Dive or glide through an underwater hoop (if not ready yet, play above the surface).