It can provide you with a good amount of time to REST when needed. Sometimes your swimmer will swim so much and not realize how tired he or she is getting. Getting into a back float can provide them with a good amount of time to rest, catch their breath, call out for help, or just catch some rays in the pool. See the photo below for proper back floating. Practice practice practice!
Here is a great photo of how to practice your back float with your swimmer!
Key things to remember when practicing:
1. Airplane arms
2. BIG Santa Claus tummy
3. Legs together like a toy soldier
4 Head back to look at the clouds. (Make sure they really have their head back in the water. Their spine should be straight not curved at all at the neck)
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| Thanks to my wonderful model, Devin! Devin has been one of my swimmers since she was one and a half. She is now 4 years old. |
Some tips while holding your child to make them comfortable:
- Use your shoulder as a "pillow". Have them rest their head while you hold their back close to their bottom.
- For babies they make a V shape with their body because feel so uncomfortable but make sure you hold them tight and soon they will get the hang of it.
- Sometimes singing to your toddler while they practice the back float helps them feel comfortable. While they lay on your shoulder something soothing like their favorite song can do wonders to help calm them.
- Be patient with them. Floating is such an important skill to learn. The more you practice and remind them how important it is they will soon be floating on their own.
GOOD LUCK!
May the float be with you :)
Katelyn Green, CTRS
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
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