Successful Submerging: A Guide for Adaptive Swim Instructors

Submerging is a crucial milestone in swimming, but it can be particularly challenging for children with special needs. Many adaptive swim instructors encounter this roadblock in their practice. In this blog post, we’ll explore the Swim Whisperers® inclusive strategies to help students with special needs overcome their fear of submerging and achieve this important swimming skill.

Why Kids Fear Submerging: Common Reasons

Understanding the reasons behind a child’s fear of submerging or why they don’t like water on their face, can help adaptive swim instructors tailor their approach to address these concerns.

Here are some common reasons why children may resist submerging:

  • Fear of the Unknown
    Children may be afraid of what lies beneath the surface of the water. This fear can be heightened by stories or experiences that have made them apprehensive.
  • Sensory Sensitivity
    Some children may have sensory sensitivities that make the experience of submerging uncomfortable or overwhelming.
  • Loss of Control
    Submerging can feel like losing control, which can provoke anxiety for children who crave predictability.
  • Previous Negative Experiences
    If a child has had a negative experience with water, such as nearly drowning or being forced to submerge, they may develop a fear of the activity.

By recognizing these common reasons for fear of submerging, adaptive swim instructors can develop strategies to address these concerns and create a positive learning environment for their students.

The Importance of Submerging for Drowning Prevention and Rescue

The ability to submerge is a vital water safety skill that can significantly reduce the risk of drowning and aid in rescue efforts.

Here’s why:

  • Accidental Falls
    Children may accidentally fall into a pool, pond, or other body of water. The ability to submerge and hold their breath can help them stay afloat and avoid panicking.
  • Escaping Entrapment
    If a swimmer becomes trapped underwater, such as in a pool drain or weeds, the ability to submerge and maneuver can be crucial for self-rescue.
  • Assisting Others
    In the event of a drowning emergency, being able to submerge safely can help a rescuer reach a struggling victim and bring them to the surface.
  • Building Confidence
    Learning to submerge can boost a child’s confidence in the water and reduce their fear of drowning.

Successful submerging will improve the chances of a safe rescue as the swimmer has been familiarized with the feeling of going under and will be more comfortable holding their breath.

Learning this skill is an essential component of water safety education and should be emphasized in swim lessons, particularly for children and individuals with special needs.

The Swim Whisperers® Method: A Proven Approach

The Swim Whisperers® method has gained recognition for its effectiveness in teaching swimming to children with special needs. This approach emphasizes a gradual progression, building trust, and creating a positive learning environment.

When applied to submerging, the Swim Whisperers® method involves the following key elements:

  • Positive Reinforcement
    Celebrate every small victory, no matter how minor. Use praise and rewards to encourage progress and build confidence. Ideas for rewards are collaborated on with the parents or caregiver. They can include a social story and you can determine together what the child is working for- some examples are a favorite snack, show, game, ipad, imaginary crown etc.
  • Gradual Exposure
    Start with body parts that are less scary, like cheek, ear and lips. Move towards lips and nose, then progress to lips, nose and eyes as the child becomes comfortable.

    See how we describe the parts of the face that need to go under to help our swimmers and how we gradually extend the time under water.

  • Trust-Building
    Foster a strong bond with the child by spending quality time in the water and build a sense of trust.

  • Personalized Approach
    Tailor your instruction to the child’s individual needs and abilities. Be patient and flexible in your approach. Try walking backwards with your swimmer and gradually submerging.

  • Face Wiping
    After submerging, implement the Swim Whisperers® method to quickly and comfortably remove excess water from your swimmer’s face, desensitize the area, and encourage your swimmer to learn this skill themselves.

By understanding the underlying reasons for fear of submerging and employing the effective strategies of the Swim Whisperers® method, adaptive swim instructors can empower children with special needs to overcome this crucial milestone.

Through patience, positive reinforcement, and a personalized approach, these instructors can help their students develop the essential water safety skill of submerging while building confidence and fostering a lifelong love of swimming.

Want to learn more about the Adaptive Swim Whisperers® Training?

You can advance your swim instructor skills today! When you get certified through the Swim Whisperers® Adaptive Aquatics Training Program, you will have access to proven and time-tested course material, strategies and techniques that will help to make life-changing differences in your swim lessons.

Ailene Tisser, MA, PT, Founder

Ailene Tisser, a pediatric Physical Therapist with over 30 years of experience and co-founder of Swim Angelfish® and the Swim Whisperers® method, specializes in aquatic therapy and adaptive swim for children with special needs. Trained in NDT, DIR/Floortime, and certified as an Autism Specialist and Primitive Reflex Specialist she fosters water safety, confidence, and independence in her young clients. Ailene is also passionate about educating aquatic professionals, setting a standard of excellence for adaptive aquatics training and professional development.

Cindy Freedman, MOTR, Founder

Cindy, MS, OTR/L is an occupational and recreational therapist with over 30 years of experience specializing in pediatrics and aquatics. Driven by a passion for helping children with special needs reach their full potential, Cindy co-founded Swim Angelfish, an organization dedicated to providing adaptive swim and aquatic therapy services as well as professional training. Her expertise in sensory integration, reflex repatterning, and aquatics, coupled with her love for water and experience as a national champion diver, has enabled her to make a profound impact on the lives of countless children. Cindy is certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES, and shows an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children with special needs.