How you teach swimming is very important. If swimming is not taught correctly pupils can develop a phobia. Teachers have to understand the importance of not rushing their students as they do not want fears to develop.

When familiarising students with water teachers should have a cheerful attitude and hold lots of understanding. Each student has different fears and needs, and teachers should learn these early on in the lessons. Teachers should offer plenty of reassurance and encouragement and sense when their students are apprehensive about a particular activity. If students show fear when learning something new, teachers have to be able to recognise this and take a step back, later teaching the activity with a different approach.

Teachers have to try to develop self-confidence with their students. This can be achieved by offering plenty of praise. Students learn at a quicker pace if they enjoy what they are being taught. Therefore it is necessary not to make swimming a chore for the pupil. Teachers will need plenty of patience as swimming should be taught at a self-paced level.

On the pupils first day of swimming teachers should not have high expectations of what the pupil will learn. Just allowing the student to get his or her feet wet is sufficient, especially if they enjoy themselves. When the student is brought into the water for the first time it is a good idea that the teacher walks around the entire pool holding the students hand. This will allow the student to see how deep the water is, and some of their fears may fade. This will not happen if the student does not trust the teacher. Without trust, there is fear and so little enjoyment; without enjoyment, there will be little practice and without practice, beginners will not develop skills or a positive attitude required to learn how to swim.

To attract children to water toys and games can play a very important part. Whether it be a small boat that the student can float on the water, or a pair of goggles that will make the student feel more at home with the more experienced swimmers, toys and games will help the student to enjoy the pool.

To teach children how to place their face in the water, it is encouraged to allow the student to blow bubbles and the occasional splash of water on their face. Some students will not place their face in the water without a pair of goggles. If goggles give the student confidence, then goggles should be worn.

If the student will not let go of the edge of the pool, then the use of floatation aids can be useful. Games and lots of fun activities will also help to encourage the child to take a step away from the edge. If the student refuses to let go of the edge of the pool, then let them stay there for a few lessons until they become more familiar with the water.