Games for if your child is just getting comfortable in the water
Whether they’re new to swimming, a little cautious, or simply finding their feet, these games are all about helping them feel relaxed and confident. For younger children, these simple games are a lovely way to build on the confidence they develop through baby and toddler swimming lessons.
Bubble Challenge
Who can make the biggest bubbles? Blow the longest stream? Count together, laugh together and celebrate every attempt. It’s a simple way to help children become more comfortable putting their face near the water.
Follow The Leader
Walk, splash, kick, turn around or make big circles with your arms – then let your child take over. Most children love being the leader, and it encourages them to move naturally through the water.
Toy Rescue
Float a few favourite toys just out of reach and ask your child to “rescue” them. They’ll be moving independently and building confidence without giving it a second thought.
Animal Adventures
Can you waddle like a penguin? Float like a starfish? Kick like a dolphin? A little imagination goes a long way and helps children focus on the fun rather than what they’re trying to achieve.
Games for if your child is growing in confidence...
Once they’re happy moving around the pool and beginning to float or swim short distances, you can gently build on those skills.
Starfish Float
See who can make the biggest starfish and count together while you float. Feeling relaxed on the water is every bit as important as how long they stay there.
Red Light, Green Light
Swim or kick on “green”, freeze on “red”. Children rarely realise they’re practising control and balance because they’re too busy enjoying the game.
Pool Treasure Hunt
Drop a few sinking toys into shallow water and see how many your child can collect. If they’re not ready to dive down yet, simply swap them for floating toys instead.
Noodle Obstacle Course
Use floats or noodles to create a simple course to swim around, under or through. There’s no right or wrong way to do it – that’s part of the fun.
Games for if your child is already a confident swimmer
Family swimming time is still a wonderful chance to build skills. Keep the focus on enjoyment and personal progress rather than speed or competition.
Beat Your Best
Can you glide a little further than last time? Float for one more second? Small personal challenges often keep children motivated far better than racing someone else.
Island Adventure
Turn floats into imaginary islands and challenge your child to travel safely between them using different strokes or floating skills.
Relay Races
Simple relays are great fun for siblings, parents and grandparents alike. Mix up the movements with kicking, floating or swimming to keep everyone involved.
A few things worth keeping in mind
Family swim time doesn’t need to feel productive to be valuable.
If your child leaves the pool smiling, looking forward to coming back and feeling a little more comfortable in the water than when they arrived, you’ve achieved plenty.
Celebrate the small wins, let your child set the pace and don’t worry if one game lasts two minutes and another lasts twenty. Confidence builds gradually, through lots of positive experiences over time.
While these games are a brilliant way to reinforce the skills children are learning in lessons, they don’t replace active supervision. Stay close, stay engaged and enjoy the water together.
After all, a love of swimming is one of the greatest gifts we can help our children develop.
Whether you’re enjoying a family swim or looking for regular lessons close to home, our GetSetSwim clubs across London offer a warm, supportive environment where children can build skills at their own pace.