Swimming Confidence Toolkit (All 7 Micro Guides for Calm & Prepared Swimmers)

Swimming lessons can be overwhelming for many children with new routines, unpredictable noise, busy environments, and emotional demands. This complete Swimming Confidence Toolkit brings together seven OT created micro guides that support every step of the swimming journey, from leaving home to communicating feelings at the pool.

Designed by paediatric occupational therapists at EquipKids, this toolkit gives families simple, effective tools they can use straight away to reduce anxiety, build confidence, and support emotional regulation.

This toolkit includes all 7 swimming guides:

1. Pre-Swimming Readiness Checklist

2. Pool Comfort Ladder

3. Noise & Busy Pool Coping Plan

4. Dry-Land Readiness & Skill-Building Activities

5. Partnering With Swim Instructors (Parent Guide)

6. Partnering With Swim Instructors (Teacher Guide)

7. How I Feel in the Pool (Feelings Scale)

Use this toolkit to:

• Create predictable routines before lessons

• Reduce sensory overwhelm in noisy, busy pool settings

• Support your child’s motor readiness and confidence

• Improve communication with swim instructors

• Help children express how they feel before and during lessons

• Build emotional safety and positive swim experiences

Simple, printable, and practical, perfect for families, swim centres, therapists, and schools supporting diverse learners.