Blowing bubbles and face in the water

Setup

1. Learners stand at the wall in water no deeper than chest height; a qualified teacher watches from the deck.
2. Tell the group the depth and that anyone can stand up, lift the face and stop at any time.
3. A kickboard for each learner rests on the side, ready for the last part.

How it runs

1. Breathe in through the mouth, then blow gently across the surface to make ripples, like cooling hot soup.
2. Lips on the water and blow bubbles; then nose and mouth under, humming out through the nose.
3. Whole face in for a slow count of three while blowing out, lift the head and breathe in. Five goes, with a normal breath between each.
4. Bubble walk: let go of the wall and walk a few metres out, putting the face in to blow bubbles every few steps.
5. Holding a kickboard at arm's length: face in, blow out, lift the chin to breathe in, three times in a row.

Coaching points

• Out under the water, in above it: never hold the breath.
• Hum or blow slowly so the bubbles keep coming.
• Blink the water away rather than rubbing the eyes.
• Face-in moments stay short, a few seconds, with a full breath before the next one.
• No contests to see who can stay under longest.

Common mistakes

• Puffed cheeks holding the breath, then a gasp on lifting the face.
• Breathing in through the nose under the water and spluttering.
• Wiping the whole face with both hands after every go.