Why does swim regression happen? (Several possibilities & solutions...read on...)

Swim regression is when your child seems to take a step backwards in their swimming skills or lessons.

Regression can refer to their physical progress, attitude, or even behavior.

Perhaps your child simply isn’t performing as well as they have in the past. This type of swim regression is not often easy to understand and prevent.

Swim regression often seems to come out of the blue. What if your child was always enthusiastic during their swim lessons, but they’re suddenly fearful or uncooperative? Maybe they don’t want to put their head in the water or they cry when asked to enter the pool. Maybe they were progressing beautifully and the skills were being performed happily the week before. Confused parents wonder, “What happened? Things were going so well.”

This sudden change in behavior can be very upsetting for both you and your child. Your child is experiencing and displaying fearful emotions, and you are left bewildered by this unexpected shift in behavior. 

It may be difficult to know the cause of this swim regression. And not knowing why makes it even more frustrating for parents to witness and for children to experience.

Swim regression, while confusing, is common! Swim regression is most common in children under four-years-old and there are things you can do to help your child get back on track with their swim lessons.

Here’s why swim regression happens and what to do about it:

Fear of autonomy or independence in the water

Sometimes a child becomes frightened because they believe a new skill will put them further outside of their comfort zone—they’re simply not eager to become more self-sufficient. "You want me to do what?! By myself?" "Ms. Ana, don't let me go!" "Ms. Ana, Use your hands, ok?" "Ms. Ana, You'll hold me, right?"" Ms. Ana come closer! "

A Loss of Confidence is Big to a Little One

A young child’s confidence is more fragile than an adult’s. A child can lose their confidence far more easily than we can. 

• Big life adjustments 

• Not getting along with someone 

• Criticism or trying to live up to another’s expectations 

• Not being able to complete a task in the water correctly after trying several times can feel defeating

• Reemergence of a past water trauma or a water experience that didn't feel so good (choking or water up the nose)

• Child reaches a new stage of development

If your child feels embarrassed or upset when they make a mistake on a skill or they get discouraged, let your child know that we make mistakes all the time even as adults and we have to keep trying until we get it right. Remind them: 

• They’re making BIG progress

• Everyone naturally progresses at their own rate—sometimes faster, sometimes slower

• They’ll soon GRADUATE and then they will only do the "special skills" for practice and if they ever need to use them to rest, get air, or stay safe during and after swim class. 

A Frightening Event 

A child may have had a bad dream which upset or scared them. Or a child may have seen something they find scary on television or heard about from a friend. Or even a bad day where water went up their nose or they had to cough up some yuck. Even a burp with minor regurgitation can create an uncomfortable feeling and response.

A Combination of Events or Something New in Their Lives - Good or bad! 

A combination of new events or even a single event alone can cause a child to feel anxious or afraid. These events can include:

• Potty training

• A new babysitter

• A new sibling

• Parents separating or divorcing

• Moving to a new house

• A new school or teacher

• Losing a friend

• A new schedule

• Children seeing others with floats or being held in public water areas while they're being asked to swim or play with greater independence
  

Don't interrupt scheduled lessons if you can help it.

Swim lessons benefit children physically, mentally, and emotionally. So, it’s hard to understand why swim schools or parents periodically stop swim lessons. Further, if your child stops lessons and practicing for a while, their swim skills will suffer.

Swim regression can occur when young students stop taking lessons for just a few months. And, for every month a child is out of water, it can take approximately one week to regain skills. This isn't a "learn it and keep it" skill. They have to continue with maintenance and refreshers after training and / or regular aquatic exposure! 

Revive their Desire and Interest In Swim!

If your child simply seems less interested in learning to swim, bring them to a local pool where they’ll see other children swimming and having fun. This can be a powerful incentive to help them regain their interest in swimming.

If they see floaties and ask for them remind them that they are not safe and that they are a big kid and don't need them anymore because they are learning to swim without them. 

Keep the Swim Teacher Informed

Always let me know about any fears or changes your child is experiencing and their behavioral changes. 

I am trained to support kids through these challenging periods, helping them get back on track, stay motivated, and to enjoy their swim experiences. If I know, I can better help! 

Don’t Push or Punish - But DO Support! 

A child can resist even further if they feel they’re being pushed too hard. Instead, acknowledge their feelings, express support, and gently encourage but let them know how important swim lessons are to keep them safe and how fun it is and can be also AND how rewarding. Let them know that the show must go on! This means we as adults must know the difference between manipulation and "I don't want to unless it's done my way" and 'I'm genuinely nervous about being left to my own devices & need extra support.'

Lots of praise can help your child regain their confidence. If they suddenly seem unsure about their swimming skills, praise them when they do something else well at home. They’ll remember the praise and it will carry over to their confidence in the pool. Believe it or not.

Even making comparisons.... "Wow! You did that by yourself!? Just like when you roll and float in swim. Class! What a big boy/girl!" You can even have them come share with me! I'll reinforce as well. Some parents send pictures of kids caught pretending to roll-float-roll-swim and I love this and tell the kids how wonderful they made my heart feel when I see them next! Do NOT compare to negative or incorrect behavior or reprimand mistakes. Only discuss and emphasize the positives and progress made.

Kids are also competitive and enjoy being the teacher. Use a toy or doll and ask a child if so-and-so can swim-float-swim in the bath or pool. Then ask your child to show you (model)  how the toy should do it...let them use the toy to act it out as if THEY are the instructor. Ask your child: 'Should they kick when they float? Noooo...Good job! Should they hold their breath/bubble in to roll and swim? Yes? WOW! That's great! Should they breathe nice and calm while floating, belly up, head up? Cool! Do you do that with Ms. Ana too?! Oh my, that's wonderful!'

You would be surprised how quickly they want to show you how much better they are at it than their toy the next time they're in lessons or how well they can teach us!

DO NOT TRY TO DUPLICATE SWIM FLOAT SWIM LESSONS ON YOUR OWN IN THE POOL OR IN THE TUB (OR THE ROLL TO FLOAT) It can undo the work we've already done or create bad habits. Make the discussion fun and tell them you would love to see during lessons.

Make pool time and bath time with you a playful time NOT work! Let me be the "bad guy"... I'm ok with it if it means I'm saving a life. 🫧🐠♥️ I'm happy to be there for you and your children! 

How can I contact Under The Sea Survival Swim?

You can reach us at (772) 834-7464 or through email at info@swimsmart.org or utsss.psl@gmail.com

What are the working hours?

Monday-Thursday 9a-5:30p, with some flexibility upon discussion, and some major holidays.

What age group does the program cater to?

The program is designed for infants and children needing survival swim skills. I have colleagues in the community if you're seeking other age groups or skill levels.