Practice Swimming at Home - No Pool Needed!

Swim Lessons Prep (0-6 Months)

• Tummy Time in Warm Water: Use a bath tub to practice water tummy time. Place them in your lap, keeping an eye on their mouth to ensure their mouth is above the water. 
• Songs & Splashing: Sing bath-time songs with gentle splashes. Use toys to capture attention and help babies associate water with joy.
• Sensory Water Play: Let your baby gently feel warm water poured down their back or arms using a small cup.

Splish Splash Babies 1 (6-12 Months)

• Cues for Breath Holding: Practice the verbal cue “1,2,3!” followed by a quick sprinkle of water over their face.
• Back Floats with Support: In the tub, support your baby’s head and bottom and let them float while you sing softly.
• Face Dips: When your baby is ready, allow brief, gentle face dips (always with a breath cue and within comfort level).

Splish Splash Babies 2-3 (12-24 Months)

• Wall Holds: In a tub or kiddie pool, help your child “monkey walk” along the edge using their hands.
• Kicking Practice: Lay your child on their back or belly and encourage flutter kicks.
• Tummy-to-Back Rolling: Gently guide them from tummy to back in the water and praise them for the roll.

Jungle Tots and Splish Splash Toddlers (2-4 Years Old)

• Bubble Blowing Races: Have your child blow bubbles for as long as they can while you count out loud.
• Kick & Glide Practice: From a sitting or supported belly position, practice strong kicks and reaching arms.
• Back Float Assistance: Use a shallow tub or play pool to work on relaxing on the back with light support.

Happy Hippos (4+ Years Old Beginners)

• Beginner Float: Have your child lie on their back on a soft surface (like a bed or couch) and stretch out “like a starfish.” Talk about relaxing their body and keeping their tummy up—this builds body awareness and confidence in the float position.
• Roll to Float: Practice having them lie on their belly, then gently guide them to roll over onto their back. Use simple phrases like “roll like a log” and “find your float.” You can even turn it into a fun game on a yoga mat or towel.
• Kicks: Sit on the edge of the tub, couch, or bed and encourage your child to practice “splashy toes” or “fast kicks” with straight legs and pointed toes. Keep it fun by kicking to music or racing against a timer!
• Paddle Arms: Stand in front of a mirror and practice slow, exaggerated “reach and pull” paddle arms. 

Mighty Monkeys (Intermediate)

• Side Breathing Drills: In the tub or while lying flat, practice blowing bubbles and turning head to "breathe air."
• Leg Kicks with Straight Legs: Have your child sit on the tub edge and kick fast with toes pointed.
• Backstroke Arms on Land: Lying on the floor, practice alternating arm movements with straight arms.

Terrific Tigers (Advanced)

• Mirror Check: Practice freestyle and backstroke arms in front of a mirror.
• Kick Practice – Pillow Kicks:Have your swimmer lie tummy-down on a pillow with their legs hanging off the edge of a couch or bed. Practice tight, fast flutter kicks while keeping knees straight. You can even place a small stuffed animal on their feet—if it falls off, they’re bending their knees!
• Endurance Practice – Swim Circuit Challenge: Create a "swim fitness" obstacle course around the house: 20 flutter kicks lying on their back, 10 arm pulls, 15 seconds holding plank (builds core strength!). Repeat the whole circuit 3–4 times for a fun and active endurance booster

Amazing Alligators (Advanced Stroke Technique)

• Stroke Shadowing: Watch videos of proper strokes, then mimic motions slowly in front of a mirror.
• Wall Kick Sets: Do kick reps on the edge of a tub—15 seconds on, 10 seconds rest, repeat 4×.

Adults and Teens (13+ Years)

• Breath Timing: Practice exhaling underwater (in the bath or shower) and inhaling quickly through the mouth.
• Arm Stroke Drills: Use slow-motion arm movements for freestyle and backstroke while standing.
• Treading Water Motions: Sitting on a chair, simulate eggbeater kicks and sculling motions with your arms.

Tips for all ages:

• Keep Sessions Short: 5-10 minutes is plenty, and end on a positive note.
• Use Props: Bath toys, plastic cups, mirrors, or kickboards add fun and engagement.
• Celebrate Success: Clap, cheer, and reward progress (no matter how small!).

Practice Makes Progress!