Holding their breath underwater is not a skill that comes automatically to all young children. In fact, many adults have a problem learning this skill. Instructors for scuba divers have found this to be one of the first skills that they have to teach their students. I thought I would take a few minutes to instruct you on how to teach your child to hold their breath underwater.
This Skill Takes a Couple of Steps and a Little Bit of Practice
Begin teaching your child this skill by pouring cups of water over your child’s head while they are sitting in shallow water. You can do this even to young babies.
Do this somewhat slowly. Count “One, two, three… This can be fun for the child and will teach them not to be afraid of the water.
The second step is getting your child to put their lips under the water. Then, their nose. Finally, their full face.
Your child will get more comfortable with this and will eventually be able to do a full-face submersion for longer and longer periods of time.
Your child can learn to hold their breath with you holding them. With a little bit of experience and time, you can let go. Have them keep their face submerged as long as they can. “Four, five, six…” You can make a small, challenging game out of it.
This is fundamental. It builds their confidence at holding their breath underwater.
Life Saver Survival Swim School Teaches Children a Lot of Water Skills
Our school has been teaching these skills and a lot of others to young children for over fifteen years, now. We have been in Houston for over twelve!
We teach children who are 6 months and older how to survive should they ever find themselves in a pool of water. Teaching them to float and/or swim and to have fun while doing it is our focus!
If you have children or know of some children that need to learn water survival skills, please consider enrolling them in our school in north Houston. You can enroll them HERE, or you can call our owner, Bonnie. Her telephone number is (832) 366-3008. Still, another way, is just to email us.