Won't put face in water

Keeps the chin up and avoids any contact between the face and the water.

Activities that help

• Bubble Count – Swimmers blow bubbles for longer and longer counts, progressing from mouth to nose to whole face.
• Car Wash – Swimmers drive through a 'car wash' of sprinkled water to get used to water on the head and face.
• Hot Chocolate – Pretend the pool is a mug of hot chocolate – blow on it to cool it down.
• Motorboats – Holding a float, swimmers 'drive' their motorboat by kicking and blowing bubbles.
• Ring of Bubbles – A circle game that combines a rhyme, holding hands and blowing bubbles – ideal for younger groups.
• Simon Says – The classic listening game used to sneak in face wetting, bubbles and movement.
• Superman – A supported front float and glide in a long, flying Superman shape.
• Toy Blowing Race – Swimmers blow a floating toy across the water – develops controlled breathing out with the mouth at the surface.
• Treasure Hunt – Swimmers collect sinking 'treasure' from the pool floor – brings submersion in naturally.
• Under the Bridge – Swimmers duck under a noodle 'bridge' that is lowered a little each time.
• Underwater Finger Count – Swimmers look underwater to count how many fingers the teacher or partner is holding up.
• Underwater Humming – Swimmers hum a tune with their face in the water – stops water going up the nose and makes breathing out automatic.
• Wash Your Face – A simple routine where swimmers scoop water and 'wash' their face, building up one feature at a time.