Five ways to help a nervous child in the water

Most children who are nervous in the pool are worried about water on their face (sample advice).

Practise at bath time: pour a little water over the back of the head, then let your child do it themselves. Praise the try, not the result.

In the pool, stay at their level, keep your voice calm and let them hold the wall as long as they want. Tell the teacher what worries your child; they will plan around it.