Teaching children to swim is one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences. Most parents are eager to know how to teach a child to swim faster and overcome the fears and frustrations their child may face in the water. Therefore, here are the actionable tips to give your child swimming speed.

How Long Does It Take For a Child to Learn to Swim?

The time it takes for a child to swim confidently depends on their natural ability, comfort level in the water, and specific swimming goals. The role of the instructor and the quality of the children’s swim training program are also important.

Some children may master the basics in months, while others may take a year or more. However, always remember that longer training periods often cost more money and time, and may cause discouragement.

How Can Your Child Learn to Swim Faster?

Shapland Swim Schools has found these tips for teaching your child to swim most effective.

1. Set a specific goal

Parents have their unique definition of what it means for their child to know how to swim. Some may view it as their child floating without help, while others expect them to swim across the pool confidently.

However, without a measurable goal, it may be a challenge for parents and an instructor to track progress, slowing motivation and results. Examples of swimming goals include:

Being able to float on the back for 30 seconds.
Diving to retrieve an object from the pool floor.
Completing a full lap with a chosen stroke.

2. Learning proper techniques

Focusing on proper techniques is an important tip on how to teach a child to swim. Without the right foundation, children may focus on bad habits that slow their progress.

Some of the basic techniques for beginners include:

Breathing technique: Relaxed exhalation in the water and quick, rhythmic inhalation to the side improves breath-holding, reduces anxiety, and stabilises timing. These make strokes feel smoother and faster.
Floating: Floats enhance buoyancy, balance, and body line. They also boost propulsion, water safety, and confidence.
Leg kicking: Kicking from the hips with relaxed ankles and pointed toes adds propulsion and stabilises body position. The technique allows arm mechanics and breathing to fit naturally.

3. Practice regularly

Making swimming lessons a routine is an easy way to teach baby swimming faster. Consistent, year-round classes are more effective than brief summer bursts because they allow your child to benefit from:

Steady progress toward goals: Year-round children’s swim training prevents regression and keeps children on track to meet their goals.
Stronger instructor-child connection: Consistent attendance allows the instructor to understand the child’s learning styles, notice small faults earlier, and adjust lessons accordingly.
Improved confidence: Gentle and frequent exposures to water reduce fear, reinforce water safety, and build lasting confidence. They also keep children engaged and help them perfect breath control.
Immediate feedback and improvement: Lesson frequency helps teachers provide targeted feedback for faster skill refining. You can use this feedback to reinforce skills at home.

Most swim schools, including Shapland, recommend at least one class per week for infants and two sessions for older children. Our thoughtfully designed pools with up to twelve different depths, clear goals, and parental support are also key to improving speed and stamina.

4. Build water comfort

An anxious child will find it hard to learn or try new skills. Therefore, making a swimming lesson enjoyable helps your child relax and absorb skills naturally. Personalised approach, especially from our instructors, also makes your child feel more comfortable in water.

Tips for teaching your child to swim comfortably include:

Start with 5-10 minutes of playful sessions to build water tolerance.
Use toys, songs, and games to make swimming fun.
Introduce slow and regular challenges like swimming distance, floats, and brief submersions.
Celebrate each milestone to create positive associations.

Shapland Swim School: The Most Trusted Learning Program for Your Child

The right program influences how to teach a child to swim faster. At Shapland Swim School, every lesson is designed to give children the best start in the water. Our small class size of three students and certified instructors ensures every child receives personalised attention for efficient skill and confidence building.

Close supervision helps children realise their unique strengths and challenges. That is because instructors can identify the gaps, adjust lessons, and provide immediate feedback. Our pools with up to twelve different depths are also designed to build confidence and help children progress faster. Book a session in one of Shapland Swim Schools today and watch as your child becomes the best swimmer.