1. Swim 25 Metres Wearing Clothes

Your child will swim 25 metres using any stroke, while wearing swimwear and full-length clothing (e.g., long sleeves and trousers).

Parent Tips:

• Start with lighter clothes: Encourage your child to begin with lighter clothing, such as a t-shirt and shorts, before progressing to heavier, long-sleeve clothing.
• Focus on stamina: Swimming with clothes is more tiring, so work on building their stamina with regular swim practice.
• Encourage smooth technique: Remind them to maintain good stroke technique, even with the added resistance from clothing.

2. Tread Water for 30 Seconds, Attract Attention, and Move into the Huddle Position

Your child will tread water for 30 seconds without goggles, while attracting attention (e.g., waving or shouting), then move into the huddle position.

Parent Tips:

• Strong leg movements: Encourage your child to use strong, circular leg movements (eggbeater or flutter kick) to stay afloat for longer.
• Practise signalling: Teach them to use one arm for signalling while keeping their body stable in the water.
• Stay calm: Reinforce the importance of staying calm while treading water, as this helps conserve energy and stay afloat longer.

3. Demonstrate an Effective Throwing Rescue from a Distance of 5 Metres

Your child will demonstrate how to throw a rescue item (e.g., ball, rope, or float) to someone 5 metres away and guide them back to the pool edge.

Parent Tips:

• Practise with different items: Let them practise throwing different objects, such as pool noodles or life rings, to build confidence in throwing rescues.
• Encourage clear instructions: Teach your child to give clear directions to the person they are helping, such as “hold on” or “kick to the edge.”
• Reinforce safety: Remind them to stay low and stable when throwing the item to avoid falling into the water.

4. Swim 20 Metres Frontcrawl from an Underwater Push and Glide

Your child will swim 20 metres of frontcrawl, starting with an underwater push and glide, followed by 3 dolphin kicks.

Parent Tips:

• Focus on the glide: Teach your child to hold the glide as long as possible after pushing off the wall.
• Small dolphin kicks: Encourage quick, small dolphin kicks to maintain good momentum and control.
• Smooth transition: Practise transitioning from dolphin kicks to full strokes smoothly to conserve energy.

5. Swim 20 Metres Backstroke from an Underwater Push and Glide

Your child will swim 20 metres of backstroke, starting with an underwater push and glide, followed by 3 dolphin kicks.

Parent Tips:

• Strong push-off: Emphasise the importance of a strong push-off from the wall, followed by a streamlined body position.
• Keep the head still: Encourage them to look up at the ceiling to maintain a straight, streamlined position during the glide.
• Steady rhythm: Focus on maintaining a steady, alternating arm rhythm to prevent fatigue during the swim.

6. Swim 15 Metres Breaststroke from a Push and Glide

Your child will swim 15 metres of breaststroke, starting from a push and glide, ensuring proper timing and technique throughout the stroke.

Parent Tips:

• Emphasise the glide: Remind them to extend the glide after each stroke to conserve energy and swim more efficiently.
• Correct foot position: Help them keep their feet flexed during the kick for more propulsion.
• Focus on timing: Practise the pull-breathe-kick-glide sequence to build coordination and stamina.

7. Swim 15 Metres Butterfly from a Push and Glide

Your child will swim 15 metres of butterfly, starting with an underwater push and glide, followed by 3 dolphin kicks.

Parent Tips:

• Start with a strong glide: Encourage a powerful push-off from the wall, followed by streamlined dolphin kicks.
• Smooth rhythm: Teach your child to keep a smooth, undulating body motion to maintain momentum during the stroke.
• Break it down: Practise in shorter bursts to help them maintain proper form and rhythm throughout the swim.

8. Swim 50 Metres Using 2 Different Strokes

Your child will swim 50 metres continuously, using two different strokes (e.g., 25m frontcrawl and 25m breaststroke or backstroke).

Parent Tips:

• Build stamina: Practise longer swims regularly to help them build the endurance needed for 50 metres.
• Encourage consistency: Focus on maintaining consistent technique and breathing patterns throughout the swim.
• Switch strokes smoothly: Practise transitioning between strokes so they can switch without losing momentum.

9. Perform a Sitting Dive

Your child will learn to perform a sitting dive into water at least 1.5 metres deep, ensuring safe and controlled entry into the water.

Parent Tips:

• Practise in shallow water: Start in shallow water where your child feels comfortable before progressing to deeper water.
• Controlled movements: Remind them to keep their body tight and controlled during the dive for a safe, streamlined entry.
• Focus on safety: Reinforce the importance of entering the water safely, with arms extended and chin tucked.

10. Demonstrate a Backward Somersault in the Water

Your child will perform a backward somersault in the water, developing control and balance while rotating underwater.

Parent Tips:

• Practise on land: Help your child get comfortable with the movement by practising backward rolls on dry land first.
• Slow and steady: Encourage them to move slowly and stay in control during the rotation.
• Stay tucked: Teach them to keep their body tightly tucked to ensure smooth movement and balance.

11. In a Team, Pass and Catch a Ball While Treading Water

Your child will practise teamwork by passing and catching a ball while treading water without goggles.

Parent Tips:

• Use a fun countdown: Make treading water more enjoyable by setting a fun challenge to see how long they can stay afloat while passing the ball.
• Strong leg movements: Encourage them to use strong, circular leg movements to stay stable while passing the ball.
• Work together: Teach them to communicate with their teammates to make the exercise more effective and fun.

Wave 6 introduces a variety of advanced skills, from longer swims and advanced life-saving techniques to teamwork-based activities. Mastering these tasks will build your child’s endurance, confidence, and ability to handle complex water challenges. Rushing through this wave can result in poor technique and difficulty with more advanced tasks in Wave 7, so be patient and focus on steady improvement. By ensuring your child takes the time to master these skills, they’ll be fully prepared for the competitive aspects of the final wave.