Lay flat.

Water at least over the ears.

Remain calm, enjoy laying on in the shallow water.


Testable goal:

Swimmer lays flat on their back with heels of feet, hips, back, and head touching the bottom. Water depth should be deep enough so that ears are underwater.

Hold for 10 seconds.

Bonus Goals:

  • Belly button underwater (in water deep enough for this.
  • Ears and most of head underwater too.
  • Floating off the bottom.

Activities to achieve this goal:

Find super shallow water.

Lay flat on back with legs straight and arms either out to the side or near hips.

Recline, relax, and ask questions like, “what is your favorite color?” “What did you eat for breakfast?” and “what kind of animals play in the water?”

Progression:

  • Sit cross legged in the shallowest water your pool offers.
  • Sit with legs straight.
  • Lay back with your head staying above the water.
  • Place the back of your head in the water.

 

Do this same progression in deeper and deeper water; limit should be where water is about 1/2 over the swimmer’s body.

Spend time on your back and encourage swimmers to put their ears in the water and listen to the waves.

For most, putting ears in the water is going to be the most uncomfortable thing they do, and they’ll often balk or refuse to do this.

Do this together often! At least twice a lesson and tie it together with alligator walks.

Challenges to achieve this goal:

Challenges are like games but with less moving parts and quicker.

Challenge:
Lay flat on your back in water that is over your belly button while laying flat on the bottom. Keep face above water.

Challenge:
Lay flat on your back with your head touching the bottom. Lift both legs and both arms off the bottom and keep them over the surface for 4 seconds.

Challenge:
Make splashes so big with your feet that you can catch a water droplet in your mouth. While laying flat with head on the bottom.