Name
One-Liner
Float on your back like an otter, holding 2-3 toys on your belly without letting them float away.
Success Criteria
The swimmer completes a supported back glide while keeping 2-3 floating toys on their belly. The toys must stay on the belly and not float or splash away during the glide.
Failure Criteria
The swimmer drops the toys, lets them float away, or cannot maintain a back float position (belly/chest up).
Core Skill
Who
This challenge is suitable for3 – 5 year-old swimmerswho are inLevel 1 or 2.
What
The goal of this challenge is to have the swimmerfloat on their backwhile holding2-3 floating toyson their belly without letting them float or splash away. The instructor supports their neck in asupported back floatusing Swimming Ideas’head-in-hand holding position. The instructor pulls the child in thesupported <a href="https://www.swimminglessonsideas.com/blog/parent-tot-back-glide/">back glide</a> positionhead-in-hand off the bench, a short distance, and back to the bench. If the swimmer keeps their belly or chest up and keeps the 2-3 toys from floating away, they’ve completed the Otter Eating challenge.
How
To perform this challenge, the instructor and swimmer need the following equipment and steps:
- Abenchorplatformclose to thewater levelwith enough space for the swimmer to lie on their back.
- The instructor stands next to the bench and helps the swimmer lie on their back with their head facing the water. The instructor places one hand under the swimmer’s head and the other under their lower back to support their body. Remind the swimmer to relax their neck and shoulders and look up at the sky or ceiling.
- The instructor gives the swimmer 2-3 floating toys and asks them to place them on their belly. Tell the swimmer they are going to pretend to be anotter eatingtheir food on their belly. Ask the swimmer to hold the toys on their stomach and not let them float or splash away.
- The instructor gently slides the swimmer off the bench into the water, keeping their head and hand position. Pull the swimmer in a straight line for a short distance, then back to the bench. Praise the swimmer for keeping their belly or chest up and their toys on their belly. Repeat a few times, increasing distance and speed as the swimmer becomes more comfortable and confident.
- Challenge the swimmer to try different variations:
- Holding different combinations of toys on their belly.
- Singing a song or counting while holding the toys.
- Moving their legs in a flutter kick or scissor kick while holding the toys.
- Rolling over from back to front and back again while holding the toys.
Difficulties Instructors Might Face
Some possible difficulties instructors might face while conducting this challenge:
- Explaining what they will do and why it’s fun and safe.
- Demonstrating the challenge yourself or with another swimmer.
- Using positive reinforcement and encouragement throughout.
- Allowing the swimmer to choose their own toys and distance.
- Adjusting the size, shape, and number of toys to suit the swimmer’s ability.
- Reminding the swimmer to keep their chin up and eyes on the sky or ceiling.
- Providing gentle feedback onbody positionand hand grip.
- Using cues like “squeeze your toys” or “show me your belly button” to maintain posture and balance.
- Varying difficulty and duration based on progress.
- Adding fun elements like different toys, songs, or movements.
- Making it a game or competition — see how many times they can do it without dropping toys, or how fast they can go from bench to bench.
- Celebrating achievements with stickers, certificates, or high fives.