Add a combination of arms and legs as you go across the pool with your child.

• Don't forget to have him or her make bubbles with his or her face in the water as you go across.

To support your child in the water hold him or her in front, just under the armpits (good for eye contact with beginners) or hold from behind or at the side at the waist with one hand on each side above his or her hips (from behind allows for better arm movement).

Supporting in front		Supporting under armpits		Supporting from side

• Help him or her go across the pool with one arm pulling at a time
• Have him or her reach and pull, not slap the water - “scoop/dig”
• Try to get your child to keep his or her legs straight, not bent
• Kick from hips with slow and controlled movements
• If necessary, try breaststroke (two hands at same time) for those with more involved coordination issues