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Preparing your child for swimming

Clear roadmap, checklist and parent tips for a relaxed swim-off moment. For all parents, all pools.

September 2025
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Summary:

Good swim-off preparation is all about calm, routine and realistic expectations. Start 1-2 weeks in advance with short, playful repetition exercises at home (looking underwater, blowing bubbles) and discuss the difference between test swimming (dress rehearsal, without an audience) and final swimming (official test, often with an audience). As a parent, focus on effort and fun instead of results, use a fixed breathing ritual to lower nerves, put the clothing requirements (long trousers, long-sleeved shirt, soleed shoes) ready the day before and bring extra towels and drinks.

Why this article?

Graduation swimming is a milestone for many children. It shows what they have learned in months, but because of audience and excitement, it often feels bigger than a normal lesson. With this how-to article, you can help your child - no matter where they take lessons or swim off - arrive at the start relaxed and confident. You will get a clear step-by-step plan, a complete packing list and do's & don'ts. You'll also read what to do in case of nerves, illness or if an item doesn't work right away.

Trial swimming vs. graduation swimming: the difference

Trial swim is the dress rehearsal. There is no audience; an assessor checks whether your child is ready for the official swim-off. This is usually 1-2 weeks beforehand. If your child succeeds in this, the chances of succeeding in the final swimming are high.

Swimming off is the official test and often more festive. Family watches and there is applause. The parts are similar to test swimming, but the experience is greater. Therefore, explain: "You can already do this - today you will show it."

Planning tip: count on 60-120 minutes total time for gathering, changing, waiting and swim-off.

Mental preparation (start 1-2 weeks in advance)

Tension is normal and often subsides once children are in the water. This approach works:

Build trust

  • Name concretely what goes well: "You floated nicely on your back today."
  • Formulate the goal as show, not need to succeed.
  • Use positive language; avoid labels like "scary" or "difficult".

Dealing with nerves

  • Breathing ritual: 3× slowly in through the nose, out through the mouth. Practise this at home and just before the start.
  • Visualise: mentally walk the course: jumping, looking underwater, through "the hole", waving afterwards.
  • Micro-goals: "calm start", "looking neatly underwater", "staying afloat".

Role of parents

  • Be predictable: no performance pressure, but a clear routine.
  • Agree on a set swim-off day routine (see checklist below).
  • Don't compare with other children; every child has his own pace.

Practical preparation at home

Exercises in the bath or shower

  • Underwater viewing (with eyes open or swimming goggles), blow bubbles, get your face wet.
  • Buoyancy: lie on your back with support and breathe calmly.

Extra swim time (optional, without performance pressure)

Some children become calmer from a relaxed free swimming in a familiar setting. Aim: fun and familiarisation, not performance. Play simple water games (object surfacing, jumping off the side, mini-course).

No new techniques just before swimming

  • Repeat what your child has already mastered. New strokes or tricks right before the exam can make you feel insecure.
  • Short, fun sessions work better than long, tiring ones.

Sleep and nutrition

  • The night before the swim-off: early to bed.
  • On the day: easily digestible food and water or lemonade along.

Graduation day checklist (packing list + planning)

Clothing and materials (coordinate with instructor/organisation)

  • Swimwear (swimsuit/swimming trunks).
  • Clothing requirements survival: long trousers, long-sleeved shirt.
  • Shoes with real soles (no flip-flops or water shoes).
  • Extra set of dry clothes afterwards.
  • Towels.
  • Swimming goggles (only if permitted).
  • Plastic bag for wet gear.
  • Slippers for child and parents (hygiene & grip).

Comfort & logistics

  • Drink and small snack (banana, currant bun).
  • Phone/camera for photos (respecting others).
  • Small gift or flowers for the child for afterwards (optional).
  • In plenty of time i.e. changing clothes and waiting time.

Tips for parents during swim-offs

  • Quiet farewell: short and positive.
  • Smiles and non-verbal encouragement from the stands.
  • Patience: waiting time is part of it.
  • Celebrate the moment regardless of the outcome.

Managing your own tension

  • Breathe quietly yourself.
  • Remember: it is a snapshot; the basics have already been laid in the lessons.

Scenarios: what if...

Your child is visibly nervous

  • Come a little earlier and quietly take in the surroundings.
  • Point a well-known point to (instructor, starting place).
  • Recall previous successes: "Your trial swim went well, you can do this."
  • Do it breathing ritual: 3 gentle breaths.

Illness on the day

  • Don't force it. If you have a fever or a bad cold postpone better.
  • There will almost always be a new graduation opportunity.

How-to: step-by-step plan (overview)

T-14 to T-10 days

  • At home: 3× a week 5-10 min shower/bath exercises.
  • Discuss the difference between trial swimming and afzwemmen.
  • Write down any questions for the instructor.

T-9 to T-5 days

T-4 to T-2 days

  • Brief repetition: "Today we will show you what you can already do."
  • Check packing list and partly prepare bag.

T-1 day

  • Pack bag completely (see checklist), go to bed on time.

T-day (graduation day)

  • Have a light breakfast, leave on time, say goodbye quietly, smile & enjoy.

Aftercare and follow-up steps

Immediately after

  • Celebrate What went well: commitment, courage, perseverance.

Continued

  • Passed? Discuss when you want to go through for diploma B (and then C).
  • Not passed yet? Stay positive. Plan extra lessons and a new graduation opportunity. Every child has their own pace.

Long-term

Diploma A (and B/C) are steps towards swimming safety. Continue to practise together and occasionally swim recreationally.

Frequently asked questions

What are the chances of success after trial swimming?

Great. Trial swimming actually tests whether your child is ready. Think of graduation swimming as celebrating what is already successful.

Can my child swim with swimming goggles?

It varies by time and section. Always follow the instructor. Therefore, practise both with and without swimming goggles.

Which shoes are mandatory for dress exercises?

Shoes with real sole (no water shoes/slippers). Check that they are secure and easy to wring out.

What if my child is afraid of "the hole"?

Practice playfully at home (through a hoop/arm), show that it can be done calmly and safely. Guidance is available in the bath.

How long does graduation swimming take on average?

Count on 60-120 minutes total, depending on organisation and group size.

Conclusion

Effective swim-off preparation is achievable for every family: short, playful repetition, clear routine and positive parental support. Start 1-2 weeks in advance, get the packing list ready on time and stay calm and encouraging during the moment. That way, your child can confidently show what they can already do in each pool - and receive the diploma with a big smile.

Related pages

Turbo swimming lessons - For accelerated progress towards graduation.

Swimming lessons for children - Additional information on construction towards diplomas A/B/C.

Request a trial lesson - Useful for those looking to start out or looking for extra security.

Private swimming lessons - For specific challenges such as hydrophobia or concentration.

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Preparing your child for swimming