Getting Started: The Swim Ready Checklist (Free)

Many children struggle to feel comfortable and confident around water. Some refuse to get their face wet, cling tightly to their parent, or avoid swimming altogether. These responses are common and often linked to sensory overload, uncertainty, or reduced body awareness rather than fear or defiance.

Getting Started: The Swim Ready Checklist is a short, therapist designed guide created to help families build calm, positive water experiences before formal swimming lessons begin. The focus is not on teaching swimming skills, but on helping children feel safe, capable, and curious around water through simple, play based experiences.

This resource introduces water in a low pressure way and supports the sensory and motor foundations that underpin confidence in the pool.

Use this guide to:

Set up a calm, predictable water play environment using everyday household items

Support your child to explore water at their own pace through play

Build early skills such as breath control, body awareness, balance, and coordination

Recognise small but meaningful progress through built in progress cues

Create positive water experiences that support future swimming success

This free guide includes:

A Quick Start Checklist to help parents set up for success

Five easy, therapist approved activities designed to fit into everyday routines

Clear goals and progress cues to help you notice growing confidence and comfort

This resource is ideal for:

Children who feel hesitant, overwhelmed, or unsure around water

Children with sensory sensitivities, autism, anxiety, or coordination differences

Families wanting to support water confidence before starting swimming lessons

Parents looking for practical, achievable ways to prepare their child at home

All activities are designed for supported play with close adult supervision and are not a substitute for swimming lessons or water safety education. A gentle first step in helping children feel calm, capable, and confident around water.