Silent Entry Challenge
Swimmers get in on their own using a controlled swivel entry, aiming to make as little splash as possible.
- Stages
- Stage 2
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Skills
- Water Confidence, Safe Entry
- Equipment
- None
- Age
- 4–10 years
- Group size
- 1–12 swimmers
- Time
- About 3 minutes
- In a lesson
- Introduction / Warm-up
- Shared by
- SwimShare Resource
Safety notes
- Check depth is suitable for standing before the entry.
- Keep the landing area clear of other swimmers.
What it develops
- Enter the water safely without help
How to run it
- Swimmers sit on the edge, spread out along the side.
- One at a time, they turn, place both hands on the edge and lower themselves in without help.
- The group listens: the quieter the entry, the more control it shows.
- Swimmers hold the wall and give a thumbs up when their feet are down.
Teaching cues
- Turn, hands down, slide in.
- Slow and quiet.
- Hold the wall until your feet are down.
Make it easier
- Use the steps and practise facing the rail.
- Teacher counts the swimmer in slowly.
Make it harder
- Enter, let go and walk to a target without touching the wall.
- Enter and blow bubbles straight away.
Common faults
- Dropping in quickly and splashing.
- Letting go of the edge before feet touch.
Corrections
- Ask for 'sneaky ninja entries'.
- Count 'one, two, three, feet down' before letting go.
Assistant / L1 role
- Stand in the water opposite the swimmer who is least confident about getting in on their own. Stay close enough to steady them but keep your hands down so they complete the entry themselves.