Nervous in the water

Tense, clingy or reluctant to join in; may cry or refuse to leave the steps.

Activities that help

• Backwards Down the Steps – Teaches swimmers to use the pool steps facing the rail – the safest way in for nervous beginners.
• Captain's Coming – A pool version of the ship game: each command is a skill – scrub the deck, man overboard, lie on deck – done as quickly as possible.
• Fall In, Float, Shout – A calm rehearsal of what to do after an unexpected fall in: get back to the surface, hold on or float, and call for help.
• Follow the Leader – Swimmers copy a leader's way of moving – an easy way to practise lots of travel skills in one activity.
• Giant Steps, Fairy Steps – Varying the size and speed of steps to build balance and confidence walking in the water.
• Good Idea / Bad Idea – A quick poolside quiz game that teaches pool rules without a lecture.
• Hold On and Kick to Safety – Swimmers practise the survival habit of grabbing something that floats and kicking it back to the side.
• Hug the Teddy – Swimmers hug a float on the chest like a teddy while lying back – a secure feeling back float.
• Jump, Float, Signal – A full water safety sequence: jump in, float on the back to calm down, signal for help, then swim to the side.
• Let Go of the Wall – A gradual progression from holding the wall to standing independently, using small, achievable steps.
• Magic Carpet – Swimmers lie on their front on a noodle or float 'carpet' and are towed around by a helper.
• Pass the Parcel – A ball is passed around a circle; whoever holds it when the music stops does the skill written on the next 'layer'.
• Ring of Bubbles – A circle game that combines a rhyme, holding hands and blowing bubbles – ideal for younger groups.
• Silent Entry Challenge – Swimmers get in on their own using a controlled swivel entry, aiming to make as little splash as possible.
• Simon Says – The classic listening game used to sneak in face wetting, bubbles and movement.
• Sit, Swivel and Slide – A calm, controlled seated entry from the pool edge that builds the habit of getting in safely.
• Sitting Splashes – Swimmers sit on the edge and kick with long legs – an early kick practice that also builds confidence with splashes.
• Sleeping Starfish – A relaxed back float in a wide star shape – the go-to activity for building back floating.
• Traffic Lights – A travel game where swimmers respond to colour calls – great for warm-ups and forward travel.
• Wall Monkeys – Swimmers travel sideways along the wall hand over hand, like monkeys on a branch.
• Wash Your Face – A simple routine where swimmers scoop water and 'wash' their face, building up one feature at a time.
• Wave Machine – Half the group makes gentle waves while the others float or travel, learning to stay calm when the water isn't flat.