Start in the shallow end of the pool so your child can move gradually into deeper waters. If possible, find a zero-depth entry pool where your child and you can just walk into the water. Then have your child sit on the edge of the zero-depth entry part of the pool. Let the water roll over their legs. Show them how to pull water up and over their legs so they can get used to the feel of water on their skin.
Make swimming lessons fun by playing games at this point. Have them lie down in the zero-depth entry part of the pool and then roll over and play “alligator.” Let them pretend they are alligators with their bellies in the water. Show them how to blow bubbles in the water. This will also help your child learn to hold his breath. At this point, then, you’re ready for your child to start “bobbing” in the water. Have them practice bobs by going under and then back up.
As you look at teaching your child to float, remember that some people just do not float well. In particular, tall people struggle with this because their long arms and legs will drag them down. Also, to float well, you need to fill your lungs with air. So, teach your child to take deep breaths, be it in the bathtub at home or in the shallow end at the pool.
Once your child is comfortable with the water, begin to focus on the fundamentals of actually swimming. Start by teaching your child to kick. Have your child hold onto the side of the pool with their bellies down in the water. Then hold onto their legs just above their ankles and show them how to move their legs like scissors. Now you need to get your child to move forward with those kicks. Hold your child by the belly in the water and have him kick his feet as you’ve taught him. Make sure he keeps his feet mostly underwater. His feet can break the surface periodically, but they should not be making constant big splashes. Have your child stretch his arms out like superman, and then move the child through the water as he kicks.
As a final test, have your child face down in the water with his arms stretched in front of him and then kick. See if he can get himself to move on his own just with his kicks.
Once your child has mastered kicking, begin to teach them how to stroke. Have them cup their hands like ice cream scoops and then “scoop the ice cream” of water one arm at a time. Have them do this in waist-deep water.
If you can get your child to simply stroke and kick, keeping his head above water, you’ve taught him a life-saving skill.