Name
Flap like a Vampire Bat
One-Liner
Swimmers flap their arms like vampire bat wings to splash water and "bite" floating toys.
Success Criteria
The swimmer successfully slaps the water with their hands while walking along the benches, and optionally chomps floating toys with their mouth.
Failure Criteria
The swimmer does not keep their chin touching the water or fails to walk along the benches.
Core Skill
Water comfort and breath control with face submerged.
Who
Level 1 swimmers who are comfortable putting their face in the water and walking in the pool.
What
Swimmers pretend to be vampire bats. With their chin touching the water, they put their hands out to the sides and slap the water as fast as they can while walking along two benches pushed together. For a bonus, add floating ducks or toys and have swimmers flap their wings to splash the floaties toward their face, then "chomp" the floating toys to "bite them" and "suck their blood" like a vampire bat.
How
- Place two water benches together to create a narrow path.
- Have swimmers stand on the benches with their chin touching the water.
- Instruct them to extend their arms out to the sides and slap the water as fast as they can.
- Have them walk along the benches while continuing to flap.
- For the bonus round, scatter floating toys on the water and have swimmers splash them toward their face and then bite them.
Difficulties Instructors Might Face
Young swimmers may struggle to keep their chin in the water while walking. Encourage them to look straight ahead and keep their mouth closed. Some may be hesitant to put their mouth near floating toys; model the behavior first and offer praise for attempts.