I Just Signed My Toddler Up for Swim Classes! What's Next?

To understand the approach we take and the philosophy we abide by, we highly recommend picking up a copy of Rob and Kathy McKay’s Learn to Swim book and read the first 53 pages of the book to get the background on the class. You may also wish to purchase their first DVD, Diaper Dolphins I, which covers similar material in a more visual format.

You can also start practicing in your bathtub or even a kitchen sink. 

Take small amounts of water and pour it over the top of your child’s head on a four count – say one, two, three, and pour on four.  Get your child used to water coming over their face.  If they start to close their eyes during the pour, they'll start to learn the breath-holding reflex.  If they don’t like water over their face, practice pouring water other parts of their body – hands, arms, shoulders, etc.