What it is
A consistent verbal cue ("1, 2, 3!") delivered by the parent during the scooping activity to build the swimmer's expectation of the scoop and going under with comfort.
Essentials
- The cue is "1, 2, 3!" — same words every time, no variation.
- Delivered while maintaining the football hold grip in front float position.
- Immediately precedes the backwards step and scoop.
- Consistency is the non-negotiable: same cue every pass, every lesson.
- Limit to one scoop per lesson until the child is very comfortable.
- The scoop is a flat "U" motion pulling the child underwater while keeping them horizontal.
Progression
- Supported front glides — establish the football hold, relaxed comfort with face in water, breath held, arms straight.
- The one scoop: football hold → cue "1, 2, 3!" → step backwards and pull child underwater keeping horizontal → scoop child into a hug, celebrate and smile.
- Games, songs, splashing — relaxed playful activities building confidence in the water together.
What goes wrong
- Parent varies the cue → swimmer can't build a reliable expectation. Insist on the same words every time.
- Child cries or seems fazed by mouth, nose, or eyes going under → not ready for the next step; stay at the current level.
- Scoop is rushed or the child is startled → go slower; the cue exists so the child prepares rather than is startled.
- Parent is uncomfortable with the specific words → use what they're comfortable with and what the parent does; consistency matters more than the exact phrasing.
How you know it worked
The swimmer shows closed eyes, breath held, and relaxed recovery. They do not cry or seem fazed by their mouth, nose, or eyes going under the water.
How you teach it
The cue works because it tells the infant something is going to happen, allowing them to prepare instead of being startled. The instructor's role is to watch for the parent using the same cue every time and to build the parent's confidence. Approach the parent frequently and have a conversation: "What are their goals? How can you help them with those goals?" Be bold in explaining why you play games, why you hold children certain ways, and what the benefits are. Go slow. Build confidence. Earn trust, and look for happy babies. The four-step sequence (football hold → cue → backwards step and scoop → smile and embrace) is the unit of instruction; the cue is step two and only makes sense inside that sequence. Work up to going underwater with predictable, extremely slow increments. When the infant is ready to move to the next step you'll know because they do not cry or seem fazed by their mouth, nose, or eyes going under the water.