Stage 1 swimming activities

First steps in the water: getting in and out safely, feeling at ease moving around, getting the face wet, early breathing control and supported floating.

Swim England Learn to Swim · 49 activities.

Outcomes

Enter the water safely
Move forwards about 5 metres
Move backwards about 5 metres
Move sideways along the wall
Scoop water and wash the face
Be comfortable with water over the head
Blow bubbles with mouth and nose in the water
Float on the front with support
Float on the back with support
Return to standing from a float
Push and glide on the front and back
Understand basic pool safety
Exit the water safely

Activities

Armband Countdown – A planned, gradual reduction in buoyancy aids so swimmers discover they can float with less support.
Backwards Down the Steps – Teaches swimmers to use the pool steps facing the rail – the safest way in for nervous beginners.
Backwards Noodle Ride – Swimmers lie back with a noodle under their arms and kick backwards – early back kick and back position.
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.
Crab Walk – Sideways stepping away from the wall, building balance and independence from the side.
Elbow, Elbow, Knee, Knee – A step-by-step routine for getting out over the pool edge safely.
Follow the Leader – Swimmers copy a leader's way of moving – an easy way to practise lots of travel skills in one activity.
Front Starfish – Wide, stable front float in a star shape – the easiest front float to balance.
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.
Hot Chocolate – Pretend the pool is a mug of hot chocolate – blow on it to cool it down.
Hug the Teddy – Swimmers hug a float on the chest like a teddy while lying back – a secure feeling back float.
Jack-in-the-Box – Rhythmic bobbing: swimmers crouch down, blow bubbles, then spring up – builds breathing rhythm and submersion.
Jellyfish Float – A tucked mushroom float that lets swimmers feel the water lifting them up.
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.
Moonwalk – Slow-motion backwards travel using sculling hands – a gentle intro to moving without walking.
Motorboats – Holding a float, swimmers 'drive' their motorboat by kicking and blowing bubbles.
Noodle Horse Race – Swimmers 'ride' a noodle and gallop or kick forwards – a fun way to get feet off the floor.
Pancake Flip – With a noodle for support, swimmers roll from front float to back float like flipping a pancake.
Pencil Glide on the Back – Back push and glide in a long pencil shape, starting from the wall.
Pillow Float – A float under the head acts as a pillow while swimmers relax into a back float.
Rain Clouds – Partners take turns to 'rain' on each other with splashes and drips – social, fun and builds tolerance of water on the face.
Rain Hat – Swimmers pour a cup of water over their own head – giving them control builds confidence fast.
Reverse Parking – Swimmers walk backwards to 'park' in a space, building safe backward travel.
Ring of Bubbles – A circle game that combines a rhyme, holding hands and blowing bubbles – ideal for younger groups.
Rocket Push – Swimmers push off the wall like a rocket into a streamlined front glide.
Shapes – Swimmers make body shapes in the water – star, pencil, ball – to explore buoyancy and body position.
Simon Says – The classic listening game used to sneak in face wetting, bubbles and movement.
Sit in the Chair – Teaches safe recovery from a back float: chin forward, knees up, 'sit' and stand.
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.
Starfish Wake-Up – Swimmers float as starfish and 'wake up' to standing on the teacher's call – practises floating and recovery together.
Stargazer – Back floating with a noodle under the arms while spotting 'stars' on the ceiling.
Superman – A supported front float and glide in a long, flying Superman shape.
Supported Jump-In – A step-by-step progression to a first jump-in, with a helper in the water, for swimmers ready to go beyond a seated entry.
Torpedo Through the Hoop – Swimmers glide through a hoop held at the surface – a target that encourages a long, flat body.
Toy Blowing Race – Swimmers blow a floating toy across the water – develops controlled breathing out with the mouth at the surface.
Traffic Lights – A travel game where swimmers respond to colour calls – great for warm-ups and forward travel.
Treasure Hunt – Swimmers collect sinking 'treasure' from the pool floor – brings submersion in naturally.
Tuck and Stand – Recovery from a front float: knees to chest, press the water down, feet down, stand.
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.
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 for Help – Practise what to do if you are in trouble: hold on, wave one arm and shout for help.