5 Ideas for Water Exposure that Don't Require Swimming

 By: Emily Davis, Owner, Private Swimming Coach / Instructor 

Maybe it’s a cold and dreary day. 

Maybe you don’t have the energy to take the kids out. 

Maybe you're not quite confident in yourself or your children for a trip to the pool, especially if it means tackling it as a solo adult. 

Whatever the case, here are some easy ways to encourage positive water exposure that don’t involve the pool. 

1. 1. Bathtub
      

      The bathtub is one of the best ways for children to get water exposure. Fill it with bubbles, throw in some toys, or eat a popsicle in the bath (mess contained). Whatever you do, don’t make bathing a negative experience.
      
      

   2. Shower
      

      I have never owned a baby bathtub. We have always showered with our kids or washed them in the sink. Even infants can get used to having water splashed on their faces. I have found that kids who take showers and are ok with water on their faces and heads do better in swim lessons.
      
      Play showers can be fun for kids. Give them some toys, cups, or shaving cream, and let them be! In our house, the kids are allowed to play in the shower with some cups for 10-15 minutes before getting washed.
      
      

   3. Water tables
      

      Water tables are so fun and take up very little space. You can use them in a garage, front porch, back deck, bedroom patio, or even in a kitchen with some towels underneath it.  While children don’t learn to swim in a water table, they still develop positive experiences associated with water. For more ideas on water table fun, check out this article I found. 
      
      
      
      

   4. Splash pads

      City splash pads aren’t found everywhere and are often only functional in the summer. However, if you are lucky to have a splash pad nearby, utilize it!
      

      
       

   5. Sprinklers

      You might have sprinklers that water your grass, but if not you can put an attachment at the end of the hose. Let the kids run around and get wet. If you want to be really cool, you can purchase a slip-in slide or mini splash pad and set those up on hot days. 
       

   Whatever you choose to do, letting kids play organically helps them develop a love for water activities. Positive water exposure leads to confident swimmers.

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