Pre-Swimming Readiness Checklist: OT Prep Tool for Swimming Lessons

Getting ready for swimming lessons can be a big ask for many children, new sounds, smells, people, and routines all at once. For some kids, especially those with autism, ADHD, anxiety or sensory processing differences, what happens before you even leave the house can make or break the lesson.

The Pre-Swimming Readiness Checklist is a parent friendly tool created by paediatric occupational therapists at EquipKids. It breaks the lead up to swimming into small, predictable steps so your child knows what’s coming and you have a calm plan to follow.

Use this checklist to:

• Create a consistent pre swim routine your child can rely on

• Support children who need extra time to process transitions

• Reduce last minute rushing, meltdowns, or refusals to go

• Build independence by letting your child tick off steps with you

• Celebrate effort, not speed, so every small win counts

The language is simple and encouraging, with practical prompts that fit into real family life, no complicated therapy jargon, just clear support from an OT lens.

This flyer is ideal for:

• Children who become anxious or avoidant before lessons

• Children with sensory sensitivities who need extra preparation

• Families wanting a visual, repeatable routine to use each week

• Swim centres or therapists who want to send home a supportive resource

Print it,  keep it on the fridge and use it as part of your regular swim day routine.