Struggles to float on back

Sits up, lifts the head or grabs for support when lying back.

Activities that help

• Backwards Noodle Ride – Swimmers lie back with a noodle under their arms and kick backwards – early back kick and back position.
• Fingertip Float – A structured way to fade support in a back float: whole hand, two fingers, one fingertip, then none.
• Float Countdown – Swimmers set a personal best for how long they can float, front and back – floating is both a skill and a way to rest.
• Hug the Teddy – Swimmers hug a float on the chest like a teddy while lying back – a secure feeling back float.
• Listen to the Pool – Swimmers put their ears in and listen for underwater sounds – a gentle way to get comfortable with ears under for back floating.
• Pancake Flip – With a noodle for support, swimmers roll from front float to back float like flipping a pancake.
• Pillow Float – A float under the head acts as a pillow while swimmers relax into a back float.
• Shapes – Swimmers make body shapes in the water – star, pencil, ball – to explore buoyancy and body position.
• Sit in the Chair – Teaches safe recovery from a back float: chin forward, knees up, 'sit' and stand.
• Sleeping Starfish – A relaxed back float in a wide star shape – the go-to activity for building back floating.
• Starfish Constellation – The group floats on their backs in a circle holding hands, making a giant star – shared support for back floating.
• Stargazer – Back floating with a noodle under the arms while spotting 'stars' on the ceiling.