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The first skill a child should learn is what is called breath control. What is breath control? Breath control is not holding our breath when we swim. Breath control is Rhythmic Breathing. Breathing is the key here. When our face is in the water, we exhale. When our face comes out of the water, we inhale. We establish a breathing pattern when we swim. Many individuals fear putting their faces in the water because they feel as if they are suffocating, a result of breath holding. Many resist putting their head in the water because they frequently get water up their nose. Rhythmic breathing will solve both of these problems and allow the use of two hands to swim, rather than one hand holding the nose.

How: The secret to teaching a child about breath control is to teach her to hum in the water. When we hum, our lips are tightly closed so we don't drink or choke on the water. Also, when we hum, air is slowly released out our nose. If air is coming out our nose, then water is not going in our nose. Teach your child to hum in the bathtub and swimming pool, and not just blow bubbles.

1 In water chest deep on the child, explain that she is going to learn how to put her face in the water without getting water up her nose. The way we do this is very simple! We hum! Ask your child to hum with you above water first. Demonstrate how to put your nose in the water while humming.

2 Do it together while holding both of her hands. This will help her feel secure and it will keep her from reaching up to plug her nose. Tell her to listen to herself hum. If she can hear herself humming, then she will never get water up her nose.

3 Repeat humming by lowering the head gradually into the water. Once she can put her nose in, work on putting eyes in the water (goggles are very helpful) and finally the entire head. Play games to encourage breath control (See games).