Swimming is more than just a life skill. It builds joy and confidence, and opens the door to aquatic adventures. However, getting your child to love swimming can be challenging.
From babies taking their first splash to toddlers learning to float, the key is to make your child eager to participate in water activities. Therefore, in this guide, Shapland Swim School will share practical tips to keep your child motivated and excited about swimming.
Why Do Children Fear Water?
Water fear in children is common and often rooted in emotional and sensory factors. Some children may have had a negative first experience in the pool, while others feel overwhelmed by the unfamiliar sensations of water. Recognising these triggers is the first step toward creating a supportive environment that helps reduce water fear.
Common causes of fear of water in children include:
- Sudden submersion or water splashing on the face can startle babies and make them associate water with discomfort.
- The fear of sinking or being unable to breathe is often linked to a lack of swimming experience or trust in floatation devices.
- Cold water or loud pool environments can feel intimidating.
- Unfamiliar instructions or new settings can disrupt comfort and security.
How to Keep Your Child Motivated about Swimming
Keeping your child engaged in the pool requires patience, playfulness, and a consistent approach. Here are key strategies for maintaining motivation and ensuring that every swim training session is filled with fun and growth.
Make Swimming Fun and Positive For Your Child
Children often pick up on their parents’ reactions around water. When you approach your child’s swim lessons with calm confidence and positivity, your child is more likely to feel secure, excited, and eager to participate. The goal is to make swimming feel like play, not pressure. You can do this by:
- Turning pool time into a bonding experience with songs, smiles, and laughter.
- Using colourful sensory toys or gentle water games (not floatation aids) to make exploration playful.
- Celebrating every small milestone – like a confident splash or brave attempt to float.
Positive experiences are what turn water time into something your child genuinely looks forward to.
Grow Confidence Slowly
Confidence-building does not happen overnight, and every child develops at their own pace. Therefore, avoid pushing them too quickly or forcing them beyond their comfort zone. Instead, start with simple children’s water activities like toe-tipping, splashing, or reaching for toys, and gradually move to more structured skills. These gentle activities help your child build trust, reduce fear, and stay motivated.
Create a Swim Routine.
Consistency is another secret to keeping a child motivated and excited about swimming. By scheduling lessons at the same time each week, you establish a regular pool time that builds familiarity, reduces anxiety, and creates a sense of security. Consistent swim lessons also support skill development, making it easier for your child to stay focused, excited, and eager to try advanced techniques.
3 Playful Pool Activities to Help Your Child Feel at Ease in the Water
Splash time games are excellent tools to ease fear and build water confidence. Below are three simple pool activities that can transform infant swim instruction into enjoyable learning moments.
- Song and sway: Hold your child securely and sway while singing. The gentle rhythm provides comfort and trust and helps your child feel safe in the water.
- Floating toy chase: Place colourful floating toys nearby and encourage reaching or kicking. This playful game improves coordination and turns child swim training into playful exploration.
- Gentle water pours: Use a small cup or toy watering can. Encourage your child to pour water on their hands, arms, and eventually over their head (they can start by doing it to you first). This develops desensitisation – children learn that water on their face isn’t scary, which is key for confident floating and gliding.
Shapland – Leading Swimming School for Children in Queensland
If you seek a professional, safe, and effective approach to water fear reduction, Shapland is a trusted swim school in Queensland. With over 80 years of teaching experience, we’ve guided generations of children to swim through calm, caring, and proven methods.
At Shapland, every lesson is designed to help children feel secure, supported, and proud of their progress. Families choose us for:
- Semi-private lessons – only three children per class for personal attention.
- Warm Magna mineral pools – heated to 32°C for comfort and relaxation.
- Experienced, caring instructors – experts in confidence-building and motivation.
- Purpose-built facilities – quiet, clean, and family-friendly environments.
- Flexible make-up lessons – keeping your child’s progress consistent.
At Shapland Swim School, each lesson is conducted in a safe and fun environment to encourage healthy swimming habits and give parents peace of mind.Enrol your child in Shapland swim classes and watch them grow confident and happy in the water.