Helping Your Child Succeed in Swimming
A Guide to Wave Progression
As a parent, supporting your child’s swimming journey can make a huge difference in their progress and confidence in the water. One of the best ways to help is to take them swimming outside of lessons to practice what they’ve learned in a fun and relaxed environment. While lessons are structured to build skills, regular trips to the pool can reinforce those techniques and build your child’s comfort in the water.
If you’re looking for specific feedback on areas your child should work on, it’s always a great idea to talk to their swim teacher. However, keep in mind that swim classes are often scheduled back-to-back, and teachers may not always have time for a detailed discussion between lessons. Asking at reception can often be more effective. The teacher can put together some notes for you via email, or the reception team can ring you with feedback after the lessons. This can ensure you get the information you need without feeling rushed.
One important thing to remember is not to rush your child through the waves. While it’s exciting to see them progress, moving them up too quickly can lead to frustration down the line, especially when they’re asked to work on skills they aren’t confident in yet. Each wave builds on the last, so ensuring your child is fully ready for the next stage will make swimming more enjoyable and less stressful for them in the long run.
For those who work with me in 1:1 or 2:1 lessons, I keep a live Google document to track wave progression, which is regularly updated. While this may not be necessary for everyone, it’s a resource that helps me stay organised and offer more focused guidance for each child I work with.
Below, you’ll find all the criteria for each wave in an easy-to-understand format. Each wave page includes coaching points you can use to help your child progress between lessons. These tips are designed to give you simple ways to reinforce what they’ve learned, ensuring their swimming journey is both enjoyable and successful.
