Water Confidence: Gentle Ways to Help Kids Feel Safe Putting Their Face Underwater

To a child, a swimming pool can feel vast and overwhelming—a world full of unknowns. That’s why it’s so important to move at a pace that feels right for them. If your child is fearful of the water, know that it’s completely normal—and entirely rational. Many young swimmers begin their journey right here. With patience, gentle encouragement, and trust, they’ll find their confidence. Here are some gentle, encouraging ways to help your child feel more at ease with putting their face in the water.

1. Bathtime Confidence: The First Step Toward Overcoming Fear

Public swimming pools and formal lessons can feel overwhelming for some children. Often, all they need is a safe, familiar space—and there’s nothing better than home. Try starting in the bath: have them sit comfortably and gently pat water over their face to get used to the sensation. When they’re ready, encourage them to take a deep breath, hold their nose, and slowly lower their face into the water. This gentle approach helps build confidence one small step at a time.

It’s important to gently remind your child not to breathe in or inhale while their face is in the water. One of the main reasons children feel anxious about putting their face in the water is because of the uncomfortable sensation of water going up their nose.

Once your child seems comfortable holding their breath with their face in the water, gently introduce the next step: blowing bubbles. Ask them to take a deep breath, lower their face, and slowly exhale through their mouth or nose to make bubbles in the water. Not only does this help prevent water from going up their nose, but it also turns the experience into something playful and fun.

Check out this post for a variety of aquatic exercises that your child can practice while having fun in the bathtub.

Bath time exercises

2. Watering Can Magic: Gently Introduce Water to the Face

Using a watering can is a wonderful way to help children get comfortable with the sensation of water on their face. Begin by gently sprinkling a little water over their shoulders and the back of their hair. Then, invite them to cup their hands while you pour a small amount—encouraging them to pat the water onto their face themselves. When they seem ready, gradually sprinkle a little water directly onto their face.

You can easily turn this into a fun, lighthearted moment. Try saying something like, “Let’s make your hair grow longer!” while watering their head, turning practice into play.

3. Make It a Game: Use ‘Simon Says’ to Teach Water Skills

This is one of my go-to methods as a swimming teacher—an excellent way to encourage learning through play. “Simon Says” is a classic game where one person gives instructions, and the others only follow if the command begins with “Simon says…”.

While playing, you can guide children through all sorts of fun actions like “Simon says wiggle around” or “Simon says dance on the spot.” Once they’re engaged, gradually introduce aquatic-themed instructions such as “Simon says lower your chin into the water” or “Simon says blow bubbles with your face down.” This playful approach helps children stay relaxed, have fun, and build essential water skills without even realising they’re practising.

4. Talk It Out: Let Them Share Their Fears and Find Solutions

If your little one is still hesitant to put their face in the water, and simply aren’t ready to give it a go, it might be time for a gentle chat. Ask them what’s making them feel unsure, and really listen to their worries. Acknowledge their concerns with patience, then invite them to be part of the solution. Rather than offering your own idea first, ask if they can think of a way to help themselves feel more comfortable. Not only does this encourage problem-solving, but it also gives them the chance to tell you exactly how they’d like to be supported.

Once you’ve had that conversation, ask what they feel ready to try—no pressure. From there, you can take small, thoughtful steps to help them slowly overcome their fear in a way that feels safe and empowering.

Try asking questions like:
“What part feels the scariest?” “What exercise do you feel most comfortable with?”
“Is there something you’d like me to do differently?”

These gentle questions give your child the space to express themselves while helping them take ownership of their swimming journey. It’s a simple way to offer support while giving them a sense of control in an unfamiliar environment.

5. Lead by Example: Show Them It’s Safe

Many children are visual learners, so one of the best ways to support them is by demonstrating. Show them how to gently lower your face into the water—it not only teaches the technique but reassures them that it’s perfectly safe.

Offer to hold their hand while they try, and join in alongside them. You can even make it playful by practising together, wave at each other, or pulling silly faces when underwater. Turning it into a shared, joyful moment which takes the pressure off and builds trust along the way.

Remember to go slow and steady. Sometimes, all a child needs is a little more time to get used to the sensation of water on their face and to feel comfortable practising the exercise.