Bobbing, How it can Save Your Child's Life

It's the ability to exchange air, blowing used air out and inhaling new air. The most important aspect in the exchange of air is on the exhale because once the lungs are empty, the new air will automatically flow in. Our lungs have a natural vacuum that allows air in once they are emptied. In other words no real effort is needed, it will simply happen on its own.

Inhaling

The inhale should be from the mouth and the exhale is from the mouth and the nose. I will sometimes tell my students to exhale only from the nose if they are only using their mouth. This takes longer to do so it slows them down if they are bobbing too fast. Some students have trouble exhaling through their nose so I have them close their mouth and hum before they go under water. Hanging onto the side of the pool with both hands and then lowering their face, then eventually their entire head underwater, is the best way to learn this skill. It's important to stress a relaxed and rhythmic pace. If the child is stopping at the top on the inhale then they are probably not exhaling fully underwater.

Exhale

The exhale is longer in duration than the inhale. It's important to assist the child if the pool has a high edge or is difficult to hold onto. once the child is comfortable with this skill, have them use only one hand on the wall and eventually with no hands bouncing off the bottom of the pool. Using a noodle will help with this transition so the child can pull up for the inhale. Interested in Swimming Lessons with Sunsational Swim School? Visit our websiteto learn more!"