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Showing posts with label Games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Games. Show all posts

Swimming Games - The Crucial Benefits



The Benefits of Swimming Games in Swim Lessons

Swimming offers a fantastic way to stay fit while learning an essential life skill. However, many people find the process of learning to swim to be challenging, tedious, or even intimidating. This is where swimming games come into play, transforming the learning experience into something enjoyable and effective. Here are some key benefits of swimming games that can enhance the overall quality of swim lessons.

The image shows children and an instructor joyfully playing with beach balls and floats in a swimming pool. This article is about the Benefits of Swimming Games,
Benefits of Swimming Games

Enhancing Physical Engagement

Swimming games provide engaging activities that challenge participants physically. They involve full-body movements in a low-impact environment. This not only strengthens muscles but also increases cardiovascular endurance. Additionally, swimming games enhance flexibility while burning calories. All these factors contribute to improved overall health. By actively participating in these games, swimmers develop a deeper connection with water and enhance their physical skills.

Improving Swim Technique

Another significant benefit of swimming games is the opportunity they provide to improve swimming techniques. Many games focus on maintaining proper head position and body alignment, both vital for efficient swimming. For instance, games like “Sharks and Minnows” and “Marco Polo” encourage participants to keep their bodies in a horizontal position. This practice minimises drag and maximises propulsion, allowing swimmers to navigate through water more efficiently. By incorporating these games into lessons, instructors can help students playfully work on complex techniques.

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Practising Essential Skills

Swimming games also serve as an excellent platform for practising various swimming skills. They can introduce important techniques like breathing, diving, flip-turns, and different strokes. Games such as “Diving for Treasure” encourage swimmers to retrieve objects from the pool bottom, enhancing their diving skills. Meanwhile, relays and tag games provide an exciting way to practice different strokes while fostering a sense of competition among participants. Combining fun with skill practice keeps the learning environment lively and engaging.

Building Confidence and Motivation

One of the most important benefits of swimming games lies in their ability to build confidence and motivation. Many newcomers to swimming feel anxious or fearful. Games like “Cannonball Contest” or “Rocket Ships” make the water less intimidating and more enjoyable. As participants engage in playful activities, they develop a sense of accomplishment. This enjoyment motivates them to tackle new challenges in the water, easing their initial fears and anxieties.

Encouraging Social Interaction

Swimming games also promote social interaction among participants. They create an environment where swimmers can bond and develop friendships through teamwork. Games like “Water Polo” offer collaborative experiences that teach communication and cooperation. This social aspect is crucial, especially for children, as it makes swimming lessons more enjoyable and memorable. As participants cheer for each other, they develop a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

Fostering a Positive Attitude Toward Swimming

By incorporating enjoyable activities, swimming games foster a lasting positive attitude toward swimming. Participants who have fun during lessons are more likely to return and continue improving their skills. They'll associate swimming with joy and excitement, leading to a lifelong love for the sport. This positive mindset encourages individuals to explore swimming further, whether for recreation or competition.

Incorporating swimming games into swim lessons proves to be a multifaceted approach to learning. The benefits of swimming games extend beyond mere enjoyment; they enhance physical engagement, improve techniques, facilitate skill practice, boost confidence, encourage social interaction, and foster a positive attitude toward swimming. By making learning enjoyable, instructors can elevate the swimming experience for participants of all ages.

For more insights into the benefits of swimming games in swim lessons, visit Swimming Lessons Ideas. Embracing these innovative methods will ensure that the experience is both educational and fun.

Enjoy     
Richard

Games: A Reference List For Swimming Teachers



A Reference List Of Swim Games For Swimming Teachers

As swim teachers, we know that structured games are more than just fun—they’re powerful tools for skill development and student engagement. Whether you’re working with beginners or confident swimmers, incorporating games into your lessons can boost water confidence, reinforce key techniques, and build stronger group dynamics. A well-timed game can also turn a tricky class around and leave students smiling.

A cheerful swimming instructor holding a clorful ring, plays a ring game, using colorful rings, with three joyful children splashing enthusiastically in an indoor pool, all smiling and engaged in the activity.
Swimming games

This post offers a selection of tried-and-true swimming games that work across a range of ages and ability levels. These aren’t just time-fillers—they’ve all got a purpose, whether it's encouraging breath control, improving streamline position, or simply breaking up a tough set. Feel free to adapt the rules to suit your class structure, pool space, and lesson goals. None of these games are mine. They are gleaned from a variety of sources. But I have included them here a single reference because searching and finding swim games can be laborious.

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Swimming Games

Thanksgiving Games

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Jumping off the Blocks

Swimmers practice their jumping or diving skills from the blocks Read more

Animal Hunt

Listening, playing, following directions. Name: How: Play a pretend game with a group of... Read more

Bench Crossing

Independent front glides Read more

Bubble Pop; AI generated

Objective: To teach toddlers how to blow bubbles in the water and control their breath. Read more

Diving Ring Pickup Progression

This challenge aims to improve the swimmers’ underwater skills, such as breath control, body position. Read more

Backstroke Kick Count Challenge

Backstroke and kicking to the wall Read more

Cupid’s Heart

Cardiovascular endurance and social skills Read more

Giving Love

Sharing and swimming skills Read more

Swimming Games (Set 2)

Halloween Costume Stroke

Read more

One breath waltz

Side breathing for freestyle Read more

One Finger Floating

Develop the swimmer’s confidence and balance in the water. Read more

One stroke FREE mirror

Freestyle stroke technique Read more

Otter Eating

Back Float for 3 – 5 year-old swimmers Read more

Puppet Master Freestyle

Front crawl breathing Read more

Sing in the Rain

Water comfort. Read more

Striking Love

Throwing accuracy and swimming skills. Read more

The Stroke Switch Challenge

Read more

Two Toe Tornado Challenge

Play this challenge as a simple one off, individually with a simple pass or fail or play it as a competitive race with points! Read more

Witch Which Witch

This game helps swimmers practice their streamline position, balance, and coordination. Read more

Christmas Presents

This game is designed to reinforce the basic skills of swimming, such as streamlining, breathing, kicking, and strokes. Read more

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Swimming Games

Do the Twist

Freestyle hip rotation Read more

Going Underwater Fun

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Flip a Coin Glides

Move from bench to bench in a wave or simultaneously. Read more

Glide and Catch

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Halloween Practice with Coach Drake

Games from Coach Drake and the Nazareth Easton YMCA. Read more

Keeping the Line

Front glide with face in the water. Read more

Kickboard Chaos

Fun game involving kicking and splashing. Read more

Magic Mirror

Practice breath control, underwater vision, and body awareness. Read more

Personal Challenge

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Pirate and Explorer

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Reindeer Jumping

Practice fly stroke and explosive power. Read more

Secret Messages

Encourages going underwater and opening eyes. Read more

Singing and Rolling

Gliding independently. Read more

Splash and Dash

Practice kicking and breathing for toddlers. Read more

Splash and Sing

Helps 3-year-olds get comfortable with water on face. Read more

Superhero Glides

Gliding on the front and back. Read more

Tick Toc Around the Clock

Freestyle arm recovery and pull initiation. Read more

Toy Toss for Toddlers

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Zoom Around the Moon

Practice back float, side-glide, and front glide. Read more

More Swimming Games

18 Challenges and Games for Going Underwater

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Drill: One arm Only Free

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Playing games with toddlers

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Car Wash

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Be a Submarine

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Bubble Blaster Countdown

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Flip Flop Flap

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Frozen Magic

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Guard Tube Raft

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Hurdles and Limbos

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Kick on Side Helicopter Arm

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Macarena Position 11

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Noodle Sculling

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Position 11 Cartwheel

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Freestyle Breathing Drill: “Shark Breath Race”

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Circle Circle and Under

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Dancing Jumps

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Fill the bucket, empty the bucket

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Swimming Game – Glide or Die

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Gift Giving

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Snow Plow

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Magic Statue

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Police and Baddies

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Pool Noodle Surfing

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Treasure Dive

Read more

Enjoy     
Richard



Swim Games 8-10 Years Old



Swim Games for Ages 8 to 10 Years Old

Teaching swimming to children between 8 and 10 years old can be a delightful experience when games are incorporated. Swim games make learning enjoyable, build confidence, and enhance swimming skills. Below are ten exciting swim games for ages 8 to 10 years old, designed to make lessons fun and engaging.

The image shows a vibrant scene of people enjoying games in a swimming pool on a sunny day. Children and adults are engaged in a lively water volleyball game, with some playfully splashing water. Others are relaxing on colorful pool floats. The pool is clear with bright blue water, and lounge chairs line the poolside, while a few palm trees sway in the background. The sky is mostly clear with some clouds, and everyone is wearing swimwear. The mood is joyful, with an atmosphere of excitement and laughter. Swim Games 8-10 Years Old
Swim Games 8-10 Years Old

Shark and Minnows

  • Objective: Practice swimming and dodging skills.
  • How to Play: One player is the "shark" in the middle of the pool. The "minnows" swim from one side to the other without being tagged by the shark.

Treasure Hunt

  • Objective: Improve diving and underwater swimming.
  • How to Play: Toss weighted toys or objects into the pool. Children dive to retrieve them and bring them back to the surface.

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Octopus Tag

  • Objective: Enhance swimming stamina and agility.
  • How to Play: One player is "it." Tagged swimmers join hands with "it" to form an octopus and tag others until all are caught.

Ping Pong Paddle Race

  • Objective: Develop coordination and floating skills.
  • How to Play: Players push a ping pong ball across the pool using their noses or blowing on it while swimming or floating.

Red Light, Green Light

  • Objective: Improve control and awareness of water.
  • How to Play: The instructor shouts "green light" (swim) or "red light" (stop). Players must respond quickly, practising stopping and starting.

Floating Statues

  • Objective: Teach floating and breath control.
  • How to Play: Children float in various positions and freeze when the instructor says "statue." Points are awarded for staying still.

Ring Toss Dive

  • Objective: Encourage underwater movement.
  • How to Play: Toss dive rings into the pool at varying depths. Children compete to collect the most rings.

Relay Races

  • Objective: Boost teamwork and swimming speed.
  • How to Play: Divide players into teams. They race across the pool using different strokes or floating techniques.

Noodle Joust

  • Objective: Improve balance and core strength.
  • How to Play: Children sit on pool noodles and try to knock each other off using their hands or another noodle.

Simon Says (Pool Edition)

  • Objective: Reinforce swimming techniques and water safety.
  • How to Play: The leader gives commands like "Simon says float on your back" or "Simon says blow bubbles," teaching skills in a fun way.

Making Learning Fun

Swim games for ages 8 to 10 years old turn swimming lessons into memorable experiences. These games not only teach essential swimming skills but also build water confidence and foster teamwork. By incorporating these activities, instructors and parents can create an enjoyable learning environment that motivates children to keep coming back to the pool. Engaging in games ensures young swimmers develop their abilities while having fun every step of the way.

Enjoy     
Richard

Halloween Swim Lesson Activities



Making a Sploosh: Fun and Inclusive Halloween Swim Lesson Activities

As the Halloween season approaches, the opportunity to infuse swim lessons with a festive and engaging atmosphere arises. Incorporating Halloween-themed activities into swim lessons provides a creative way to promote skill development, teamwork, and inclusivity for all participants. In this article, we explore a variety of entertaining and skill-enhancing Halloween-themed activities that can elevate the swim lesson experience while embracing the spirit of the season.

The image shows a person in a swimming pool, partially submerged in water. They are wearing a large pumpkin mask that has been carved in the shape of a skull, with hollowed-out eyes, nose, and a wide grin. The water is calm, and a red swim lane divider is visible. The image represents Halloween swimming lesson. The background is slightly blurred, emphasizing the person and their unusual pumpkin-skull mask. The mood is eerie yet whimsical, with a playful Halloween theme.
Halloween Swim Lesson

Monster Relay Races

Divide swimmers into teams and have them participate in relay races where they swim like different monsters.

Ghostly Dive-and-Retrieve

By placing ghost-shaped pool toys or objects at varying depths in the pool, swimmers can engage in a dive-and-retrieve game.

Pumpkin Toss

Using floating pumpkin-shaped toys or actual small pumpkins for a game of toss in the water can be a delightful addition to the Halloween swim lesson.

Spooky Obstacle Course

Setting up an obstacle course in the pool with Halloween-themed items such as rubber spiders, floating eyeballs, or witch hats provides swimmers with an opportunity to navigate through the course.

Witch's Brew Relay

Filling a cauldron with water and floating objects and having swimmers participate in a relay race can create an exciting and engaging Halloween swim lesson.

Haunted Scavenger Hunt

Hiding Halloween-themed objects around the pool area and having swimmers search for and collect the items fosters an atmosphere of adventure and fun during the Halloween swim lesson.

Skeleton Stretching Routine

Incorporating a Halloween-themed stretching routine into the swim lesson can add a festive touch.

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By integrating these Halloween-themed activities into swim lessons, instructors can create a lively and festive environment while promoting skill development, teamwork, and an inclusive experience for participants of all ages and abilities. Embracing the spirit of Halloween in swim lessons not only adds an element of excitement but also encourages swimmers to enjoy the water in a new and vibrant way.

Read More: https://swimangelfish.com/inclusive-halloween-swim-lesson-ideas/

Enjoy     
Richard

Games To Take The Boredom Factor Out Of Swimming Lessons!



Games To Take The Boredom Factor Out Of Swimming Lessons!

This article is reprinted from "Water Babble" issue of May 2001 and is 'Cop Con' as it was not possible to obtain permission.

All swim lessons should include games and fun activities as a major part of the lesson.

picture of happy kids underwater giving a thumbs up. Take The Boredom Factor Out Of Swimming Lessons
Take The Boredom Factor Out Of Swimming Lessons

"Oh No!" I hear you say - "the parents of My students would never accept that. They want their children to swim laps and some more laps." Well - of course, they do - but they want their children to be happy and 'safe' in an aquatic environment. they also want their children to enjoy swimming. How happy would everyone be if the children were saying "Can I do swimming lessons again this term?" Instead of "I can swim now can I play basketball?" It's easy - make the learning fun and educational along the way.

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I know, I know,- there is no time to talk to the parents in between lessons, no time to explain the games. Why not hand out a note at the beginning of the term explaining the philosophy of 'playing games to encourage the learning process. Outline that every game used has an educational purpose suitable for the level of the class. Strokes have to be taught, laps have to be done but why can't it be fun! let's get away from the bored children who know every bandaid on the black line and from the bored-looking swimming teacher wandering up and down the pool deck. Remember the enthusiasm you had when you started teaching. Trust me, the more fun the children are having, the better behaved they will be and the more fun you will have.

Here are a few games to start you off:

Dodge 'Em Cars'

Purpose: to improve hand-skulling movements in all directions.

Equipment: one noodle per student.

Each student sits on a noodle with the ends tucked under their knees. On the go signal, the students may use hand sculls to maneuver their 'car' around the set area to knock the other students off their 'car'. Students may bump each other only-no pushing or pulling.

Olympic Torch

Purpose: to improve the strength of the backstroke kick.

Equipment: Plastic cups. The largest you can get.

Each Student starts kicking as for backstroke and holds the cup in one hand above their head about 90 deg. to the body. Kick a preset distance holding the torch up according to the skill level of the student. Advanced students may hold one in each hand. can be performed as a race or a relay by having a bucket at the end of the distance to empty the water from the torch into.

Beach Whales

Purpose: to experience the floatation given by a P.D.F.

Equipment: P.D.F. each.

Each Student attempts a feet-first dive and swims underwater face up for a set distance (to clear the boat) while wearing a P.D.F.

Siamese Twins

Purpose: to break down the backstroke to allow for concentrations on an aspect of the stroke. One arm drill.

Equipment: Nil

In pairs, students hold hands or arms around each other and swim backstroke. One student is a right arm the other left. Can be performed with all strokes with care.

Enjoy     
Richard





Fun Swimming Drills As A Reward: Turn It Into A Game Instead



Fun Swimming Drills As Games Win

I think that the debate around whether or not one should include games in their lesson plan has well and truly been resolved. But even though I don't think I have come across a single swim teacher recently that doesn't in some way play a game or two in their lesson, I wonder if any have considered doing fun swimming drills.

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I have blog posts giving my opinion on whether games should be included in your lesson and given I also have a number of posts outlining games to be played I think that is should be obvious that I am a strong proponent of having games in class. However, I don't think I have ever outlined in what part of the lesson they should be used.

I think that most teachers that do play swimming games, play them at the end of the lesson. The reasons for this are I think, obvious: reward for good behavior during class; give students something to look forward to at the end of their class; helps with motivation but most of all, the kids, in particular, enjoy it.

Yet there are two other points in the class to play games; ones that few actually take advantage of:


image of children in a swimming class having fun kicking and one you girl putting her arm up in victory: Fun Swimming Drills can be a used as reward by turning it into a game Instead
Fun & Games As A Swimming Drill 
  1. Random placement:

    Instead of doing games just at the end of class why not play them in various points of the lesson randomly as a reward for not just good behavior but for doing well or even just making progress in skill development.

    I promise you that, from a child's point of view, this outstrips any certificate or badge or sticker or any other paperwork that you can give a child, short that is of giving food or sweets, which no one in their right mind would encourage these days; unless you're the parent may be.


  2. A game instead of a drill:

    With a little imagination, most drills can be turned into a game and your student's motivation to do the drill will exponentially increase.

    Be careful though that it does obey the rules of a game: someone must win and the rules for winning should be clear so that there can be as far as possible be an obvious winner, and there must be a competitive element to it. You cannot just rename a drill and call it a game as the kids will notice and your attempt will be treated with contempt.

Try it you will reap the benefits.

Enjoy     
Richard





Teaching Preschoolers Swimming and "Teacher Says" - A Game

Teaching Preschoolers Swimming Can Be Tricky


While children under five are at an age where they can learn quickly, there are quite a few things that you need to keep in mind when teaching preschoolers swimming. Here are some of them:

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1) Communication

: If you are having difficulty getting a child to understand it is not necessarily your fault. It is mealy an expression of your getting to know the child and the way they communicate. Young children can be very literal and what they have learned as meaning one thing, particularly in the home, may mean something entirely different to you.

2) Coordination

: many young children have coordination problems. This is perfectly normal.

3) Processing information

: They may not be able to process more than 2 or 3 actions at once. Sometimes even a few as one. Again this is perfectly normal.

4) Body type

: all children have different body types but particularly younger children. Shorter or longer parts in comparison to the rest of their body, lack of flexibility in shoulders/feet or even the reverse of body parts being more floppy.

5) Attention span

: very young children, especially those who have not attended kindergarten or other group participation activities may have very short attention spans.

Here are some suggestions that may help:

Communication


Image of an happy little girl wearing goggles in the pool holding on to the edge: Teaching Preschoolers Swimming Can Be Tricky
Teaching Toddlers Swimming Can Be Tricky
Don't be afraid to get to know the parent and seek their advice on how their child communicates and what things to say and do to help the child understand.*

Coordination

This is usually a perfectly normal stage of development. It's just young bodies learning. It is not unusual for them to know what you want them to do, they may be just having trouble doing it. Be patient!


Processing Information

It is said that young children can process the same amount of things as their age. For example, a 2 years old, can process two movements. I haven’t found this to be helpful.

I find if you give everyone one thing to do at a time when everything runs much more smoothly. Start with one activity or movement then leave that movement and do a different one. When they can perform that, move on to another. It is often called the ‘building block’ approach.

In any one class, you may teach several separate skills. When your student can do two sufficiently, you can combine those two but don't add a new one until the combining is consolidated. Don't stop teaching the skills separately just consolidate them as the students get better at them.

For example, you may teach kicking and floating separately and then when they can do those two sufficiently you can combine them. Play games that enhance coordination.

‘Teacher Says'

(instead of Simon Says).
Sit children on the ledge, and get them to kick.
Encourage the correct kicking technique.

Whilst they are kicking their legs give them additional instructions thus:

‘Teacher says touch your nose’
‘Teacher says touch your chin’
‘Teacher says clap your hands’.

They have to try to keep kicking the whole time.
No one goes out.
If a child makes a mistake you just say oops and keep playing.
This may help to get the focus on doing two things at once. It also helps identify the different body parts that they need to know in swimming, such as shoulders, knees, heads etc.

Body Type

Young children's, bodies are often a little out of proportion, which means every child will probably perform things differently to the way older children do. It is important that you adjust the skill you are teaching to meet the child abilities, not make the child fit your definition of the skill.

For example, the length of their arms in proportion to their heads may result in their hands needing to be apart with their head in the right spot instead of their hands being locked and their head up.

Attention Span

You will need to move your class along, without prolonged waiting periods and with plenty of stimuli.

Some children can have a great attention span, others may get distracted easily or get bored and fidgety.

Know your lesson plan well and keep it moving. Always have a lesson plan that has too much in it with the essential things being done in the first part of the lesson and the second part being the same thing but done in a different way. That way as soon as one child's attention span starts to slide you can move on and all the goals are archived.

For example: you may play lots of different swimming games that all teach the same thing.

Try to concentrate on activities that keep the whole class moving at the same time. You don't want children waiting for their turn if you can help it.

Sometimes you can't avoid children waiting for their turn. Some things can only be done one on one. But you need to minimize this as much as possible.

Giving the other children something to do while they’re waiting will help in these instances. Toys may help here. Set them along the wall and encourage the waiting children to play and experiment with them.

Be sure that you set a rule that they must stay at the wall. That is, they may play with the toy as long as they stay at the wall. If they move from the wall, the toy is taken away from them until they return.

I hope this helps. Good swim teachers learn from each other. If you have any ideas of your own I invite you to comment below.

Notes:

*It is not your place to make a judgement on the child's state of development. If the child does have a developmental issue the parent probably already knows about it and you do not need to raise it. If they don't you still don't need to say anything because your conversation will always set a good parent on the path to getting professional help by themselves.

If they ask you directly if they should seek medical advice, your response should be “That's not my place to say, I am not qualified to give such advice”.

If they are not a good parent, there is nothing you can do or say that will change that, so stay out of it.

Enjoy
   Richard




A Beach Game: Building Race Tracks For Holiday Fun

A Beach Game Race With A Difference

One of the games that I used to love down at the beach, was a beach game called race tracks. I mention this because I don’t see any children play this any more.

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We spent every summer break at the beach when I was a child; we all loved it. We played lots games and there was always some sort of carnival at the camping grounds. Evening time I either spent time was with my Mum or Dad but mostly Mum because Dad would go back to work during the week and back to us at the weekend; playing board games and card games.

On the evenings we didn’t play games I visited beach mission or the local picture theater to catch up on all the movies that I had missed during the year.


I taught myself to swim at the beach and there were of course the obligatory sand castles, holes and tunnels under them or by themselves. They were no sand sculptures but they were fun. But the most fun was being outside the box creative with the sand and building race tracks.


Image of a child running on the beach sand beside a pinapple. A beach Game
Running in the Sand

A Beach Game For When It's All Yours

A race track had straights and turns and the designs were limited only by your imagination because you had all the time in the world and you hands were the only tools you needed. Some of the turns have banks high and low and nothing was more exhilarating than running around the high bank at such a speed the your whole body was on an angle and you had no fear of falling at high speeds cause you were on the sand.

Of course the beach was too crowded on hot day for such grand use of space but on cooler days the beach was my own and it was great.

Enjoy
   Richard




Swimming Games At End of Lessons Yes or No

Are Swimming Games Fun Or Learning

Some parents don't, want their children doing Swimming Games because they "should be learning not having fun".

Good Supervisors want games because they know that children learn better if the lesson is fun but don't want to upset the parents.

Then there are the supervisors that think games are a waste of time.

It really hard to win when it comes to doing swimming games.

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Most courses that I have been involved in encourage teachers to use game as a means of making lessons fun. But the pressure on the teacher not to do games is such that most schools I have been involved with usually end up requiring the teachers to only have games at the end of class.

So What is The Best Course of Action?

Well the in the end you have to run your class the way your school wants you to run your class but in m opinion you really should run as many games in a class as you can get away with. As long as the games are swimming related during class your students will learn much faster because they are having fun.And at the end of class?


Image of children with noodles under theor arms, one after the other in a train for a swimming game
Swimming Games
The way I look at it what does it matter if the game is related to swimming. If the students have a game to look forward to you will have less discipline problems and the children in particular will listen to you more intently because they like you and respect you because you respect them and reward them for their hard work.


The Exception

The exception to this of course is when it comes to Water Discovery. This is where you should as far as possible insist that the children do little else but games.

Structured lesson plans that do not involve lots of games for young, particularly very young, total beginners the are by far and away in my experience the hardest way to get children started swimming.

It is a fact that the best and by far the quickest way to get your children started swimming is to expose them to as much supervised fun water play as possible. if you really want your students and children to get swimming fast there is not substitute for lots of fun in the water.

Head Under Water Sooner

Do you want your child to put there head under water sooner? Then let them play under supervision in the water. Most times they will do it themselves. Sometimes you will need a caring teacher to help with that but the more exposure to water children have the quicker they are likely to do it. The more they enjoy the water they sooner they will swim. this is just a fact.

It is a fact that applies to all swimmers. Enjoyment of the water is key to learning to swim, even for the most fearful(in fact especially for the most fearful. Games are a great path to help gain enjoyment of the water.

Enjoy
   Richard




Water Discovery Games For Learn How To Swim Classes

On The Lookout For Water Discovery Games

Good Swimming teachers are always on the lookout for good water familiarization games and just some fun things to do in the water even with advanced classes. Here are a few I came across recently.

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Splish splash

Number Six or more Organization In two teams Area Shallow water

Equipment
One large plastic jug and one kickboard per team

Description: In waist-deep water each team forms a circle. A plas- tt tic jug with no lid is placed in the centre on a kickboard. On the signal 'Go', all students begin splashing water into their team's jug. No student may touch the jug. The team to fill the jug first is the t winner.


Chain Reaction

Number Four or more Organization In a circle

Area   
Shallow water

Description: In waist-deep water, the group stands in a circle. The teacher chooses the starter, who must then do an action (eg blow bubbles) and each in turn must copy. The next turn goes to the student on the right of the starter. It is then their turn to pick an activity, adding to the previous one.

City bridges

Organization   
Small groups or teams of about six, well spaced Area
Knee-deep to waist-deep water

Description: Two members of each group join hands and form an arch. The remainder of the group stand one behind the other, each holding onto the waist of the person in front and ready to pass under the arch. On the word 'Go' each group, as a 'train', passes first under its own arch and then under every other arch. The First team to pass under all the arches and back through it's own is the winner.

Huff'n'puff


Image of a happy baby being held just out of the pool water: This article is about Water Discovery Games
Water Discovery Games and Songs are fun
Organisation
Small group to whole class
Individual players, each using a unit of equipment, or a team relay race
in Waist-deep   

Equipment Saturn toys/ Ping pong ball

Description: The players stand side by side at the starting point, each with a ping-pong ball. On the command 'Go' they enter the water and float the ball, then blow it along the surface of the water to the finish line. The ball may only be touched at the start and the finish.

Enjoy
   Richard




Games for Swimming Lessons: Water Discovery-Noodle Train

On Of My Games For Swimming Lessons

One of the most fun swimming games for toddler swimming students is a noodle train.

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A noodle train is simply several children with noodles under their arms holding on to the noodle in front which is also under the arms of a child.

There are some great songs that go with this game:
Down by the station
Little toot was just a tug
Row row row your boat

Its just a lot of fun and the kids love it.

Image of children swimming with noodles in line behind each other holding on to the noodle of the child in front of them. Games for swimming lessons are fun
Swimming Train Game



Enjoy
   Richard




Games for Swimming Lessons: Water Discovery - BOBBING RACE

Another of my games from swimming lessons. This one is played in shallow water players line up in chest-deep water either in a team or as an individual.

At the signal, the swimming students start for the opposite side of the pool, bobbing as they go. The students must keep both feet together, duck all the way underwater, place feet on the bottom, push off and straighten up so that the body comes up out of the water to the hips, then repeat. They continue this action, leaning forward slightly so that they move toward the goal is obtained.

Image of a child bobbing in the pool for one of my games for swimming lessons
Child Swimming Pool Bobbing

The arms of the students may be used for balance and extra forward speed.

The first (or second or third if you choose) contestant to reach the opposite side wins.

If this is made into a relay, the first team to have all members on the opposite from the start wins.

Enjoy
   Richard

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Games for Swimming Lessons: Water Discovery- IN–AND–OUT RACE



Games for Swimming Lessons: IN–AND–OUT RACE

This is another one of my games for swimming lessons. You must have taught the swimming students the proper and safe way to get in and out of the pool before this race is attempted.

image of a child sitting on the edge of the pool, getting ready for one of my games for swimming lessons, by reaching around to her side, preparing to enter the pool safely.
Child Entering Water Correctly

In shallow water all swimmers line up on the edge of the pool.

On signal they enter the water and wade as fast as possible to a designated line, submerge, come up, turn around, and race back to the starting line.

The first back and out seated on deck of the pool wins.

This game can also be use in open water lessons.

When all the swimmers run into the water from the beach and out the same way.

Enjoy     
Richard

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Games for Swimming Lessons: Water Discovery-Jallyfish Wading

Games for Swimming Lessons: Jellyfish Wading

The students line up facing the finish line in this swimming game but a good distance away.

Image of children running in the water. This is another of my games for swimming lessons.
Children Wading

When "Go" is called the students start to wade slowly to the finish line.

When "Float" is called the students must Jellyfish float (face down in the water).

Alternately they can do a standard back float.

With the command "Go" called again the students begin to wade to the finish.

Make sure you do lots of "Float" commands!

First to the finish line (or which ever number you designate - I find making the second person to the finish to be the most fun) is the winner.

Enjoy     
Richard

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Games for Swimming Lessons: Water Discovery- Jallyfish Tag

Games for Swimming Lessons: Jellyfish Tag

Another of my games for swimming lessons. This water discovery game is played just like a normal tag except, that the only way to be safe from being tagged and becoming "IT" is to do a Jellyfish float.

Image of a swimmer floating on the front in another of my games for swimming lessons.
Floating Jellyfish

A jellyfish float is one where you float with you face down in the water.

Students may run and scatter in any direction but if "IT" gets too close for comfort they need to do a jellyfish float to keep from being tagged.

Of course, there may be no guarding. That is standing over the other players waiting for them to lift their head. "IT" must always be on the move.

If the group is large it is good to have several "IT's".

The beauty of this game is that it can be adapted for any water activity. Not just Jellyfish floats.

Enjoy     
Richard

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Games for Swimming Lessons: Water Discovery-Feet Of Led

This is another one of my games for swimming lessons. This water discovery game is only useful for the more confident (those who are actually starting to swim).

It can be useful to give the students a bit of a break from repetitive learn to swim processes.

Image of a boy grabbing his ankles under water. Another of the games for swimming lessons
Grabbing Ankles

Students line up facing the wall or the instructor in about chest-deep water. Students take a deep breath and reach down and try to hold their ankles. They then walk to the wall (or the instructor) whilst holding on to their ankles. It's quite hard and a lot of fun.

Enjoy     
Richard

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Games for Swimming Lessons: Water Polo Variation

A Water Polo Variation For Your Collection of Games for Swimming Lessons

This is a variation of water polo, to add to your collection of games for swimming lessons. It requires only a ball and it is played in shallow water.

What You Need

A soft ball or it's equivalent and Shallow water. That is a ball that is soft, not a softball. A soft-float rings or rubber duck work just as well.

Image of a rubber duck floating in the water. It is used in a variation of water polo as part of your games for swimming lessons
A soft-float rings or rubber duck work just as well

Two teams with lined up opposite each other. The swimming teacher throws a beach or other type of soft ball into the middle. Everybody tries to get it!

The team in possession tries to keep it, but no swimming student may hold the ball for more than 3 seconds. If the ball is not passed to another member of the team within 3 seconds they lose possession to the other side.

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To make it more interesting, the swimming teacher may turn their back, and at odd times blow a whistle. The team in possession at the time wins a point. After a given time, the team (with the most number of points win.

Enjoy     
Richard



Games for Swimming Lessons:- Water Pushball

Water Pushball For Your Games for Swimming Lessons

Here is another swimming game to add to your games for swimming lessons. It's called water push ball and it is similar to water polo but you cannot touch the ball.

Image of a beach ball for using with games for lessons
Photo by Raphaël Biscaldi on Unsplash

You will need a Beach ball or similar softball for this swimming game.

Divide the group into two teams.

A large beach ball is the only equipment.needed.

Teams line up facing each other, about 3 meters of space between them, and 3 meters of space behind each team.

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The beach ball is placed in the centre of the space between teams. On signal, the players attempt to push the ball without touching, by splashing water at it, until it touches the line 3 meters behind the opposing team.

The ball cannot be thrown or hit in any way.

Enjoy     
Richard





Games for Swimming Lessons: Classic Object Retrieve

One of the Classic Games for Swimming Lessons

This swimming pool game is one of the classic games for swimming lessons and needs lots of little floating things: 30 or more.

Image of a child under the water collecting floatie things. It is one of the classic games for swimming lessons.
Collecting Floatie Things

Make sure the things are not things the little ones can check on as many of them get lost in the swimming pool and any little one may choose to swallow them and potentially choke.

Throw the floating things into your swimming area.

On signal, they scramble for only ONE each of the things.

The swimming students then run back to the edge and return for more.

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If they are advanced enough then when a floating thing is retrieved, the swimmer must do a back glide and kick to the edge.

The swimmer with the greatest number of floating things after a set time knows they win but the great thing about this game is that you don't even need to say anything just cheer the students on and praise them up for doing a great job.

Enjoy     
Richard



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