Blowing Bubbles - An Important Swimming Skill

Whether you’re a novice swimmer or someone looking to improve your speed in the water, incorporating blowing bubbles is a fantastic way to build endurance and enhance your swimmer's swimming technique!

Why Bubble-Blowing is Important in Swimming

Bubble-blowing might seem trivial, but it serves a crucial purpose in the swimming process. Not only does it help you to increase comfort in the water, but it also improves your breath control, a vital aspect of swimming.

When you learn to blow bubbles, you’re essentially mastering the rhythm of inhaling and exhaling while submerged. This practice helps you to integrate breathing techniques into your swimming strokes, leading to better stamina and smoother glides through the water.

Moreover, blowing bubbles can alleviate anxiety for swimmers of all ages, creating a fun atmosphere conducive to learning. Whether you’re a child getting accustomed to the water or an adult revisiting swimming for fun, blowing bubbles adds an element of play that makes the experience all the more enjoyable.

Step 1: Get Comfortable in the Water

Before mastering the art of bubble-blowing, it's important to feel at ease in the pool. Start in shallow water where you can stand comfortably.

Once you’re comfortable, slowly lower yourself to a seated position in the shallow end, with your face just above the surface.

Practice exhaling through your mouth and nose, releasing little bursts of air, and watch for the bubbles to form!

TIP: If your child is struggling to blow bubbles in water, start with blowing bubbles through a straw or by blowing actual soapy bubbles outside of the pool. This is the same technique that should be used in the water.

Step 2: Make It a Game

As with any skill, practicing bubble-blowing can sometimes feel monotonous — but it doesn’t have to be! Make the process playful by turning it into a game!

PICK UP STICKS

Area: Shallow End

Number: One or more

Equipment: Sinkable Toys

Description: Throw sinkable toys into the shallow end of the pool - or even on the pool steps. Have your swimmer reach down, putting their mouth into the pool to pick up the toy(s). Gradually work towards putting their full face under the water and practicing blowing bubbles.

I SPY

Area: Shallow End

Number: Two or more

Equipment: Goggles

Description: One child puts their face into the water and must count the number of fingers that a partner has extended under water. On surfacing, if the answer "I spy # fingers", is correct, the partners change role.

The more fun and laughter you bring into this process, the more motivated you’ll be to continue practicing!

Next up, we'll learn how to incorporate this into swimming freestyle!

Colorful bubbles in the pool.