Swim Safe

Why Beginners Struggle to Float (And How to Fix It) 🏊‍♂️

Floating feels difficult for many beginners, not because their body sinks — but because their mind panics. Floating is more about relaxation than strength.
1️⃣ Tension Is the Biggest Enemy
• Tight neck, shoulders, and legs push the body down
• Relaxation lifts the body naturally
2️⃣ Fear Makes You Sink
• Panic causes sudden movements
• Sudden movements break balance
3️⃣ Wrong Head Position
• Head too high = hips sink
• Head relaxed back = body floats
4️⃣ Poor Breathing Control
• Holding breath too tightly creates tension
• Gentle breathing keeps balance
5️⃣ Too Much Movement
• Kicking and waving arms wastes energy
• Stillness helps flotation
6️⃣ Lack of Trust in Water
• Water supports your body
• Trusting the water changes everything

Coach Tip:
If you relax, you float. If you panic, you sink. Practice floating in shallow water until your body learns to trust the water.

Make your home a safe place for littlies to have

fun and explore.

Empty paddling pools, baths, buckets and

containers as soon as you’ve finished using them.

A child can drown in water the depth of your

little finger.

Keep bathroom, toilet and laundry doors

closed.

Ensure your child can't access ponds, water

troughs, open drains, swimming pools (including

inflatable, portable or temporary pools), spas,

hot tubs or any other body of water.

We have more information about keeping

tamariki safe around water on our website

https://www.plunket.org.nz/caring-for-your-

child/safety-outdoors/water-safety/ -

water-hazards-in-and-around-the-house-and-

garden

Tasman District Council pool rules - make sure they are safe

Now that summer's here, it’s time to think about pool safety. Whether you own a permanent, temporary, portable pool or spa pool, the message is clear: Fence first, fun follows.

Residential pools can be a serious hazard for young children. That’s why the Building Act 2004 requires all pools capable of holding 40cm or more of water to have a physical barrier that restricts access by unsupervised children under 5 years of age. This includes portable and temporary pools, even if they’re only partially filled.

Building consent is required for installing a pool fence – even if you build it yourself. These barriers must be inspected every three years by your local council.

Spa pools under 5m² may use an approved safety cover instead of a fence, but it must meet strict criteria.

Above-ground pools are exempt from a barrier if the outside face of the pool wall is at least 1.2m high and free from any features that could assist a child climbing in. Ladders, pumps or steps giving pool access will need a barrier or gate, which requires building consent. Please visit rebrand.ly/bau4p32 for more information.

You should always empty paddling pools when not in use, including overnight.

Even with compliant barriers, active adult supervision is essential. Always keep children within arm’s reach around water and avoid distractions.

For general information on all kinds of water safety, including for pools, rivers and beaches, please visit the Water Safety New Zealand website, watersafetynz.org.