Helping your child with Down syndrome build water confidence: Real parent tips

Water play and swimming can bring so much joy for children – from splashing in the bath to swimming lessons at the pool. But for many families, building water confidence can be a journey with ups and downs. Sensory sensitivities, coordination differences or fear of the unknown can all make swimming tricky at first. 

That’s why we asked our community to share their real-life experiences of swimming – what helped, what equipment they’ve found useful and the small steps that made a big difference. Here’s what they told us:

1. Take it step by step

Several parents spoke about starting slowly and sticking with it. One family described how their child was initially terrified of water, sobbing and clinging on during lessons. With gentle persistence, including weekly swims and additional hydrotherapy sessions, their child eventually grew to love the water. 

Another parent explained: 

“In the first few months we aimed to stay in the water for at least 15 minutes, even if it was tricky. Over time, with singing and encouragement, it made a real difference.” 

Keeping swimming fun, consistent and low-pressure helps children gain confidence at their own pace.

2. The right lessons make a difference

Finding the right swim school, teacher or format was a key theme. Parents shared how much difference supportive instructors made – especially those who understood additional needs. 

• One family highlighted how a teacher began using Makaton once she learned their son had hearing loss, without them even asking. 
• Another said their daughter’s teacher, who also works at a special needs school, was “patient, supportive, but firm” – treating her fairly while adapting when needed. 
• Many found 1:1 lessons invaluable for building confidence, while others said small group sessions gave their children fun and friendship alongside swimming skills.

3. Equipment that supports confidence

Parents shared a variety of aids that made swimming easier: 

• Swim fins: especially helpful when armbands or puddle jumpers weren’t effective. 
• Supportive floats: recommended by other families, useful from 9 months up to 4 years. 
• Consistency and routine: one family loved the structure of attending the same local swim school every Saturday morning, helping build confidence and muscle tone. 

The key takeaway? Find what works for your child’s body, stage and personality. 

4. Celebrate progress – big and small

For some children, swimming comes naturally. Others need years of steady support. Parents shared how much joy came from celebrating each milestone: 

• One child, now 10, has weekly 1:1 lessons and can swim 50m confidently. 
• Another family spoke about their son’s “magical” progress, moving from blowing bubbles and playing in the water to star floating and swimming ahead of many classmates. 
• Parents emphasised that even small steps (like jumping in, blowing bubbles or floating on the back ), were huge wins worth celebrating. 

As one parent put it: 

“The main thing is the confidence it’s given him.” 

Extra tips from parents 

• Get yourself changed first after lessons – otherwise excited little ones may end up wriggling on the wet floor and soaking their clothes! 
• Encourage siblings to model confidence – copying a brother or sister can give children a big boost. 
• Teach floating on the back early – it’s a vital skill if they tire or get into difficulty. 

You’re not alone 

Every child’s swimming journey looks different. Some dive in from the start, while others take years of patience and encouragement. What shines through from families is that progress is always possible – and the joy and confidence swimming brings are worth the effort. 

💛 Have a tip or story of your own? Join the conversation in our private Facebook groups, where every Tuesday we invite you to share your experiences in our Top Tips Tuesday post. Your insight could be just what another parent needs to hear.