What you can do, part 2

Bubbles. It sounds juvenile and way to easy for most kids. However, blowing bubbles is a good way to start introducing breath control. When swimming, it is easy to run out of breath.

Teaching them to slowly release breath is the best way to start breath control. The benefit is that younger kids get a kick out of seeing bubbles, and now they can produce them without getting in trouble at the dinner table!

Older swimmer? Nose bubbles. This is a good practice to get into at any age. if you must hold your nose when going under or jumping, then your hands are only working at 50%. This will free up both hands, as well as make a faster swimmer.

If your child is nervous about getting water in their nose, start slowly. Have them blow from their nose close enough to the water to make the surface move. A bathtub or small pool may be best to start to avoid waves. Gradually get closer to the water until they are actually blowing underneath the surface.

Both of these can be done over and over for practice. You make a game to see how long they can make the bubbles go before they run out of air. Then see if the can beat their time. They could even practice slow breath release anywhere, then be ready for the water when it is accessible.

Please let me know if you have any questions, or even any other suggestions!