Not every child embraces swimming lessons right away. Some children resist due to fear, anxiety, or discomfort. This can be challenging for parents who understand the importance of water safety and swimming proficiency. The good news? With the right strategies and support, all children can learn to enjoy swimming lessons and develop confidence in the water.
Why Some Kids Resist Swimming Lessons
Children may resist swimming lessons for several reasons:
- Fear of water: Some children feel overwhelmed by large pools or the sensation of water on their faces.
- Sensory sensitivities: Wet clothing, splashing, and the pool environment can be uncomfortable for certain kids.
- Separation anxiety: Being away from parents in an unfamiliar setting can cause distress.
- Lack of confidence: Fear of failure or a previous negative experience in water can hinder enthusiasm.
Understanding the root cause of your child’s resistance is the first step in helping them overcome it.
1. Start with Water Familiarization at Home
Help your child feel comfortable in the water by introducing water play at home. Encourage showers first and trickling water over the face. Let them splash in the bathtub or wade in shallow water at the beach. Focusing on water familiarization can be a great starting point.
2. Choose the Right Swim School
The right swim school can make a world of difference. John Sugden Swim School (JSSS) offers an approach tailored to children’s needs:
- All four strokes—freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly—are taught simultaneously, keeping lessons engaging and varied.
- No kickboards or flotation aids are used, encouraging children to develop natural buoyancy and water independence sooner rather than later.
- With locations in Kilsyth South, Glen Waverley, and Balwyn, JSSS makes it convenient for parents to find high-quality lessons nearby.
3. Make It a Positive Experience
Celebrate small milestones, like blowing bubbles or putting their face in the water. Avoid pressuring them to perform; let them progress at their own pace. JSSS’s nurturing teachers ensure every lesson is a positive, supportive experience for children, regardless of their starting point.
4. Involve Parents in the Process
Many children feel more secure when their parents are actively involved. While parents don’t always need to be in the water, showing support and encouragement can make a big difference. At JSSS, teachers and management collaborate with parents to address individual challenges and build trust with hesitant swimmers.
5. Stick with It
Consistency is key when it comes to swimming lessons. Fears and anxieties often decrease over time as children grow more familiar with the pool and their instructors. Regular attendance helps reinforce progress and boosts confidence.
6. Communicate with Your Child
Effective communication can help your child feel understood and supported during their swimming journey. Talk to them about their feelings and concerns regarding swimming lessons. Ask open-ended questions, such as:
- What do you like or dislike about swimming lessons?"
- "Is there something that makes you feel nervous or scared in the pool?" Acknowledging their emotions and validating their feelings can help build trust and reduce anxiety. Share positive stories about swimming, such as how it can be fun, empowering, and an opportunity to make new friends.
The Unique Benefits of John Sugden Swim School (JSSS)
- Tailored Approach: Lessons are customized to suit individual learning styles, ensuring every child feels supported.
- No Flotation Aids: By focusing on natural buoyancy, children build genuine confidence in the water sooner rather than later.
- Simultaneous Stroke Development: Teaching all four strokes simultaneously keeps lessons engaging and goal-oriented.
- Convenient Locations: With facilities in Kilsyth South, Glen Waverley, and Balwyn, parents have easy access to high-quality swim lessons.
- Expert Teachers: JSSS teachers are experienced in managing resistance and creating a fun, safe learning environment across all swim levels, from beginner, intermediate to advanced swim lessons.

When to Seek Additional Help
If your child’s resistance to swimming lessons persists or they experience severe water anxiety, it might be time to seek professional advice. The experienced teachers at JSSS are skilled at addressing these challenges and helping children build confidence over time.
Enrol at JSSS today!
Resistance to swimming lessons is common, but with patience, encouragement, and the right swim school, most children can overcome their hesitations. By choosing John Sugden Swim School, parents can ensure their children receive tailored, supportive instruction that builds both skills and confidence. Swimming is more than a fun activity—it’s a life-saving skill. Start the journey today with JSSS and help your child discover the joy of swimming from our learn to swim programs to our holiday swimming program.