When your child begins to take lessons at our Gilbert swim school, one of the first things they will learn is how to hold their breath underwater. This skill is not only important for their safety, but also for their comfort so they can grow to be independent, strong swimmers.

In EVO’s Otter classes, our skilled instructors will teach your child the basics of holding their breath. Like any other form of education, the most successful swim students are the ones that practice outside the “classroom.”

After taking your child home from their swim lessons, try playing a few of these games so they can practice their new skills.

Bathtub play: Pour large cups of water over your child’s head while in the bathtub. This kills two birds with one stone by helping them learn how to hold their breath and get used to having water in the face. Make sure you count to three before you pour the water to give them a familiar signal that it’s time to take a deep breathe and pucker up!

Bubble blowing: Encourage them to blow bubbles. This easy activity helps them learn breath control and how to expel air when their mouth is underwater.

“Eyes wet:” See how long your child can keep their “eyes wet” in the tub or pool. Count while they put their face in the water and hold it there. Shoot for 5 seconds at first (making sure they come up for air before they get uncomfortable or scared), and work your way up to 10 seconds at a time.

Submerge intervals: In the pool or bathtub, count out loud to three, and submerge your child under the water just until their entire head gets wet. Do this on an interval of every 5-10 seconds. This helps them learn how to hold their breath, then breathe, then prepare to hold their breath again many times in a row. Start with one submersion, and work your way up until they’re comfortable doing it up to ten times in row.

Want more tips on how to help your child be the best swimmer they can be? Contact our Gilbert swim school staff at 480-539-2660.