How to Address Behavioral Issues in Swim Classes

Creating a Safe, Respectful, and Engaging Environment for Every Swimmer 

Swim classes — whether for toddlers, school-age children, or teens — are dynamic, high-energy environments where water, excitement, and social interaction collide. While most students are eager to learn, it’s not uncommon for behavioral challenges to arise: refusal to participate, distraction, aggression, anxiety, or non-compliance.

Left unaddressed, these behaviors can disrupt learning, compromise safety, and diminish the experience for everyone. But with the right strategies, instructors can transform challenging moments into opportunities for growth, connection, and positive reinforcement.

In this guide, we’ll explore practical, compassionate, and effective approaches to address behavioral issues in swim classes — rooted in child development, behavior science, and years of pool-deck wisdom.

🌊 Understanding the “Why” Behind the Behavior

Before correcting behavior, ask: What is the child trying to communicate? 

Behavior is often a symptom — not the problem. Common underlying causes include:

• Fear or anxiety (e.g., water phobia, separation anxiety)

• Sensory overload (echoes, splashing, bright lights)

• Lack of understanding (unclear instructions, language barriers)

• Need for control (especially in children with trauma or neurodiversity)

• Boredom or mismatched skill level  

• Seeking attention (positive or negative) 

“All behavior is communication. Our job is to listen — even when it’s loud.”  

🛠️ Proactive Strategies: Preventing Problems Before They Start

1. Set Clear, Consistent Expectations 

• Use simple, positive language:

• ✅ “Walking feet on deck”

• ✅ “Listening ears during instructions”

• ❌ “Don’t run!” → Say what TO do, not what NOT to do. 

• Post visual rules with pictures (e.g., “Raise hand,” “Stay in lane,” “Respect others”) 

2. Build Routine and Predictability 

• Start every class the same way: welcome song, warm-up ritual, visual schedule

• Children thrive on structure — especially those with autism, ADHD, or anxiety 

3. Create a Positive Climate 

• Begin with connection: greet each child by name

• Use high-energy enthusiasm for engagement, calm tone for redirection

• Celebrate effort, not just performance 

4. Differentiate Instruction 

• Offer choices: “Do you want to kick with a board or noodles?”

• Adjust tasks to skill level — boredom and frustration are major behavior triggers 

🧭 Responsive Strategies: Addressing Behavior in the Moment

🔹 For Refusal or Anxiety (e.g., won’t enter water, clings to parent)

• Validate feelings: “It’s okay to feel nervous. The water can feel new.”

• Offer control: “You can sit on the step and watch first.”

• Use “first-then”: “First we sit on the edge, then we splash together.”

• Never force — build trust slowly. Progress may be 10 seconds of toe-dipping. 

🔹 For Distraction or Off-Task Behavior (e.g., playing with toys, talking)

• Proximity: Stand near the child — your presence is a gentle cue

• Nonverbal signals: Hand on shoulder, eye contact, quiet tap

• Redirect, don’t reprimand: “I see you’re ready to kick! Let’s try 5 big kicks together.” 

🔹 For Aggression or Rough Play (e.g., splashing others, pushing)

• Immediate, calm intervention: “Hands are for helping, not hurting.”

• Remove from situation briefly: “Let’s take a breath on the step.”

• Teach replacement behavior: “If you want attention, tap my arm and say ‘Coach!’” 

🔹 For Non-Compliance (e.g., ignores instructions, does own thing)

• Check for understanding: “Can you show me what we’re doing?”

• Offer limited choices: “Do you want to go first or last?”

• Use natural consequences: “When you’re ready to listen, we’ll start your turn.” 

🧠 Special Considerations: Neurodiverse Learners

Children with ADHD, autism, sensory processing disorder, or developmental delays may need tailored approaches:

✅ Visual supports: Picture schedules, gesture cues, social stories

✅ Sensory accommodations: Tinted goggles, noise-reducing headphones, quiet entry times

✅ Clear transitions: “2 minutes until we switch,” then “30 seconds,” then “Now”

✅ Breaks: Allow “reset” time on the step if overwhelmed

✅ Collaborate with caregivers: “What helps at home? What are their triggers?”

“Fair isn’t everyone getting the same thing. Fair is everyone getting what they need to succeed.”  

💬 The Power of Positive Reinforcement

Catch them being good — and name it.

• Specific praise: “You waited your turn — that’s patience!”

• Group recognition: “Wow, Blue Lane is ready with their boards!”

• Token systems: Stickers, stamps, or “Super Swimmer” bracelets for effort

• Peer modeling: “Look how Maya is blowing bubbles — let’s all try!” 

⚠️ Avoid public shaming, sarcasm, or comparisons (“Why can’t you be like Sam?”)  

🤝 Partnering with Parents

Open communication prevents escalation:

• Pre-class: Ask about fears, triggers, or recent changes (new sibling, divorce, etc.)

• Post-class: Share wins (“She floated for 3 seconds today!”) and gentle concerns

• Collaborate on solutions: “Let’s try this strategy together for a week.” 

Never say: “Your child is disruptive.”✅ Say: “We’re working on listening skills — here’s how you can help at home.”  

🚨 When to Escalate: Safety First

Some behaviors require immediate action:

• Danger to self or others (running, diving in shallow water, hitting)

• Repeated refusal after support  

• Emotional dysregulation (meltdowns, panic) 

Response:

1. Ensure safety (remove from water if needed)

2. Calmly de-escalate (quiet voice, safe space)

3. Involve supervisor or parent if necessary

4. Follow up with a plan — not punishment 

💡 Real-Life Scenarios & Solutions    

Child cries and refuses to let go of parent	Separation anxiety	“Mom will watch from the bench. You hold my hand for 1 minute — then she’ll wave!”
Child splashes others aggressively	Seeking attention / poor impulse control	“Splashing hurts. If you want to play, let’s do ‘Rainstorm’ together — on the count of 3!”
Child wanders out of lane	Boredom / lack of engagement	Assign a “special job”: “You’re the bubble counter for your lane!”
Child shuts down after mistake	Perfectionism / fear of failure	“Mistakes mean you’re learning! My favorite swimmers fall down all the time.”

Final Thoughts

Behavioral challenges in swim class aren’t failures — they’re invitations to teach with more empathy, clarity, and creativity. Every child wants to belong, succeed, and feel safe. Sometimes, they just don’t know how to ask.

As instructors, we don’t just teach strokes.We teach resilience.We teach respect.We teach that the water is a place of joy — for everyone.

So breathe. Stay calm. Respond with care.And remember: the child who struggles today may be the one who loves the water most tomorrow.

Patience. Presence. Purpose. 

Because every splash begins with trust — and every great swimmer was once a hesitant beginner. 💙🏊‍♀️