When a child is shocked underwater: why distraction isn’t the answer

In swimming lessons, when a baby or toddler unexpectedly goes underwater and surfaces looking shocked or upset, many teachers and parents instinctively react with big, happy gestures — bouncing, clapping, cheering “Yay!”, zooming them quickly through the water, or even throwing them into the air.

The intention is good — we want to turn the moment into “fun” and avoid tears — but these reactions don’t support the child’s emotional regulation. In fact, they can create more stress and delay learning.

1. Big Reactions Reinforce the Shock, Not the Calm

The child’s nervous system is already heightened. Adding bouncing, cheering, or sudden movement adds more stimulation when what the child needs is calm. Instead of helping them recover, it can lock in the startled feeling, making water feel unpredictable.

2. It Interrupts the Child’s Natural Processing

Children need a moment of stillness to notice their body, catch their breath, and decide how they feel. When we rush in with exaggerated praise or sudden movement, we override that process. This can prevent them from building true resilience and body awareness.

3. “Fun” Distraction Doesn’t Address the Feeling

Clapping and cheering might look positive, but they can teach children to suppress or skip over their emotions rather than process them. Over time, this may lead to hidden anxiety or sudden refusals in lessons because the underlying discomfort was never addressed.

4. It Risks Confusing the Breathing Pattern

After surfacing, the child is trying to re-establish a calm breathing rhythm. Fast movement or being tossed in the air makes it harder to regulate breathing and may cause coughing, spluttering, or inhaling droplets.

5. It Sends Mixed Safety Messages

When an unplanned submersion is celebrated with clapping or cheering, it may send the message that unexpected water moments are always good — when in fact, we want children to learn to recognise danger and respond appropriately.

6. It Can Build a Negative Association Over Time

Children may start to anticipate that every underwater experience will be followed by a big dramatic reaction. This can create tension or hesitation before submersions — or lead to seeking only dramatic water play, making calm skills (like floating) harder to teach later.

What Children Really Need in That Moment

• Stillness and Presence: Hold the child close, steady, and calm.

• Co-Regulation: Use slow breathing, soft voice, and gentle eye contact to show them everything is okay.

• Space to Process: Wait for them to show readiness — softened expression, steady breathing — before continuing.

• Gradual Re-Engagement: Ease back into the water experience gently, building back trust rather than forcing smiles.

  
  

Professional Insight

Celebration after a shock may feel like a clever way to “keep it positive,” but it bypasses the most important step: letting the child process the event and restore their sense of safety.

A calm, steady response is not boring — it’s the foundation of trust. When swimmers learn that water experiences are predictable and that their feelings are respected, they build a stronger, healthier relationship with water for life.

A Final Note on Submersions

I do not recommend conditioning submersions at this age, even with cues. Submersions are not necessary for building water confidence in babies and toddlers — unless the child clearly shows they want to go under. Allowing them to lead this step respects their autonomy, prevents unnecessary stress, and creates a truly positive relationship with the water.

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