Survival Week

At British Swim School, we offer Survival Week for one week each quarter. 

Each Survival Week, we encourage our students to wear additional clothing on top of their swimsuits so that they can become familiar with how to react in a water emergency. The reality is that when a water accident or drowning incident happens, people are not wearing their bathing suits and goggles. Every student participates as they experience a potentially life-threatening situation in a safe and controlled setting.

Why Teach Kids to Swim in Their Clothes?

In a word: safety. As we teach students water survival techniques, one important lesson is learning to navigate the water while fully clothed. After all, anyone who accidentally falls into a pool may not be dressed for it. Understanding the weight of their clothes underwater and how their body moves in them, brings a whole new level of appreciation and skill.

After completing Survival Week training, our students will know:

• How it feels to jump, roll and float in the water with their clothes on
• How it feels to swim without the goggles that they’re used to wearing
• How to be better prepared for water activity outside of lessons

How You Can Prepare for Survival Week

• Wear a swimsuit under the child’s clothes.
• Everyday attire such as a t-shirt and shorts or pants is appropriate for the survival week lesson(s).
• Bring an extra plastic bag to put wet clothes in after the lesson(s).
• Survival week is for all swimmers, no matter what level. Parents are encouraged to get children excited and participate too!

At British Swim School, we want our students’ reactions to a frightening water situation to be automatic. Reiterating and repeating movements and skills will make it natural for them. 

Contact us to learn more about Survival Week, and we hope you’ll join us next time!