Open water, first sessions with a coach
Ready when: Breathe both sides and sight (b1) done; the child swims confidently with a coach present.
What the coach teaches
Buddying up and entering the water, treading water, swimming parallel to the shore inside a marked area, sighting every few strokes, staying with a buddy or boat, getting used to the temperature, what to do on falling in.
At home, safe only
Pool swimming; shoulder mobility.
Ask the club
The age rules, the safety boat or rescue aids, the lifeguards and the water quality checks.
What you can see from the side
The child stays with the group and is comfortable.
Self-check what the coach confirms
The child completes the coach's loop with a buddy.
Stop and get a coach when
The child is cold, shaking or frightened; leave the water.
Basic is done when the instructor confirms pool proficiency and the child is ready for open water with a coach.
awiseathlete.com/sports/marathon-swimming/marathon-swimming-b2