Have your child practice kicking, pulling with his or her arms, rolling and breathing all at the same time.

Gradually hold him or her less and less. Go from using both hands to hold his or her sides to just one hand under his or her belly or back to no hands at all!

Keep in mind that what works for one child might not work for another. Getting creative and thinking outside the box always helps. Use the abilities your child does have to help him or her learn to move through the water independently.

It can be done! Local learn-to-swim programs may also be a huge source of knowledge and information that you can tap into.

So your child might not be the next Michael Phelps, but they might be the next Kayla Wheeler or Jessica Long. Never heard of them? Check them out!