Top Tips for Confident, Safe & Joyful Water Fun With Your Little One During Summer

Aquanat
4 days ago
3 min read

School Holidays = Splash Time! 💧 Tips for Confident, Safe & Joyful Water Fun Over The School Holidays ☀️

School holidays are the perfect chance to enjoy time together in the water — practising skills, making memories and helping your child feel confident and comfortable around water. These tips are grounded in the Aquanat approach: playful learning, mindful connection, strong safety habits and supporting natural movement in the water.

1. Make It Play-Centred & Regular

Short, playful water sessions throughout the holidays help keep skills fresh without pressure. You don’t have to “teach” swimming — let your child explore, splash and blow bubbles. This playful approach builds comfort and trust in the water.

👉 Tip: Keep swims light-hearted and fun — the joy is where confidence grows.

Toddler joyfully jumps into a pool, arms outstretched. Wears colorful swim diaper. Indoor setting with wooden bench in the background.

2. Stay Close & Watchful

Even confident swimmers need close supervision. Be fully present: within arm’s reach, attentive, and off your phone. Water safety experts emphasise that constant supervision is the most important safety layer for young children in and around water.

👉 Tip: Choose a “water watcher” in your group if multiple adults are there — rotate so someone is always actively watching the kids.

3. Skip Floaties & Rely on Real Movement

Avoid floatation devices like arm bands that push the body into unnatural positions. They can give a false sense of security and interfere with learning balance and movement patterns that help real swimming skills develop.

👉 Tip: Encourage natural leg movements and reaching, supporting your child with gentle guidance rather than relying on gear.

Young boy swimming underwater in a clear pool, wearing blue shorts and goggles. Sunlight filters through the water, creating a bright, joyful scene.

4. Warm Water & Comfortable Conditions

Cool outdoor pools and oceans are lovely, but check how your child responds: let them dip feet first, notice reactions and stay ready to warm up if needed. Every child is different — if shivering persists, it’s time for a break.

👉 Tip: At home pools, aim for warm water (around ~28 °C for most little ones), and keep swim time playful rather than long.

5. Check the Water Environment

Before swimming, make sure the pool water feels good on your skin and eyes — if it’s cloudy, overly chemical-smelling or uncomfortable, it might not be great for sensitive skin or eyes.

👉 Tip: In natural water, start shallow and easy — let your child get familiar with water movement and sounds at their pace.

A woman and two girls in swimsuits enjoy a sunny beach with turquoise water. The sky is clear and a few seagulls are flying.

6. Talk About the Water

Help your child process their experiences by talking about how the water feels and what they enjoy. Conversation builds awareness and keeps them engaged in their own learning.

👉 Tip: Ask simple questions like “What was your favourite splash?” or “What do you want to try next time?”

7. Sun & Skin Protection

Holiday swim time often means sunshine — great for wellbeing, but Australian UV levels can be harsh. Gradually expose skin to sun, and dress your child in protective clothing, hat and sunscreen when needed.

👉 Tip: Early morning and late afternoon are golden times — sun protection is easier, and comfort levels are better for kids.

8. It’s More Than Just Swimming

Swimming is confidence, calm, connection and lifelong water love — not just technique. Remember that the parent’s experience of water influences the child’s too, so slow down, enjoy the moment, and don’t stress about perfection.

👉 Tip: Even a few short swims over the holidays — when they’re relaxed, happy and secure — count towards water confidence.