admin 06 Oct 2026
Swimming in a swimming pool is not like swimming in open water. Open waters are exposed to waves, currents and changing depth when compared to swimming pools that have standard depth, making it an unfamiliar condition for children.
In order for children to swim safely, they must first master their basic swimming techniques and learn to remain calm in unfamiliar situations. In addition to that, developing swimming stamina for kids is also equally important, as swimming for long distances can require a lot of energy and focus.
Developing swimming gradually helps build kids swimming endurance. Through continuous training, practice and lessons children can become great swimmers. In this blog, we will cover all the swimming techniques and methods to teach kids to swim in open water.
Children need to be proficient in the basics before they shift their focus on longer distances and stamina. Basic swimming techniques cover how to float, kick, swim and be safe in the water, which is essential for an early stage swimmer.
Swimming is more than just knowing how to get from one side to another. Kids need to learn how to be calm when they are breathing in water. Regular swimming classes can help children learn the basics step by step before they start to swim longer distances.
Kids should not be forced to start or complete long distances in the beginning itself. If you make them swim long distances before they are ready and confident, they will tire out easily and will give up swimming soon. They should begin with swimming only at manageable distances. The distance can be increased slowly as they gain confidence and once they become comfortable in the water.
Introducing distance can start with the child swimming just a few metres' distance first, then taking a break, then doing this several times. Over time, the child should aim at swimming the longer distances while maintaining proper form. This is how to improve swimming endurance in kids the right way without overburdening them.
The importance of breathing for swimming endurance cannot be overstated. Kids who find the breathing techniques difficult and are not comfortable doing them become tired easily.
When your kids are learning to swim encourage them to practise breathing calmly and smoothly. Children should learn to swim with ease and composure, not rushing their strokes or getting tense in the pool.
It is good for kids to keep up good breathing techniques so they won't be as anxious when swimming and will use their energy better.
Practising a skill continuously allows kids to feel safer, confident and more comfortable in the water. Instead of constantly learning new techniques, focus on repeating familiar drills and distances. A child can repeat a particular stroke many times and then gradually increase the distance of swimming.
Repetition makes it easy for kids to practise their technique. The movements will become much easier for them once they have mastered them, and thus, they won’t need to spend as much energy doing every stroke.
Regular swimming lessons help children's swimming skills develop better. An infrequent lesson will make them familiar with the water, but regular lessons will give children more time to practise their swimming abilities and use their skills.
Private swim lessons will provide children with more personalised instruction. The instructor adjusts the course based on the child’s skills and confidence.
As children become better swimmers, the lessons can include long swims, performing different swimming activities, and introducing exercises that can train their endurance.
Open water should be introduced carefully, even if a child is confident in water. This is because the environment can change quickly and children could find themselves in a situation with a wave, a current, cold water, or no visibility.
Children should always be supervised when around open water and should only swim in safe, designated areas. Children may be good in a pool, but they need to understand that they can’t safely swim in every open-water situation.
Endurance cannot be developed overnight. Through training, children can learn how to swim more effectively by doing the same drills repeatedly, gradually swimming longer distances, and learning how to breathe correctly.
The aim of swim lessons is not only to teach children to learn to swim as far as possible. Star Fish Swim School teaches children to feel relaxed and confident in the water and learn how to swim safely.
Starfish Swim School provides swimming lessons for kids that are tailored to their age and swimming level. Our instructors also teach safety drills, for example, how to identify safe swimming areas and how to read weather conditions. Introducing better awareness and confidence at the early stage will allow children to better cope with the challenges of open water.
Contact us today to introduce children to open waters and build their endurance.
10 Clapperton Street, Bentleigh 3204