How does Hilary Erickson's swim lesson method address children's fear of water?

I use (and recommend) intensive, daily swim lessons with a very specific approach that respects kids’ fear but doesn’t tiptoe around it.

• The teacher starts with lots of praise, scooping and kicking, then quickly adds short underwater moments (like grabbing rings).
• She uses the same verbal cue every time (“Ready, set, go”), so kids learn to reflexively take a breath and know exactly what’s coming. That predictability lowers fear.

Over the days, the challenges increase: being dropped in and climbing out, then jumping or being pushed off the edge or diving board with a teacher nearby. There may be tears, but each success is met with huge praise, so fear gradually turns into confidence and safety skills.

What part of your child’s fear around water worries you most—getting their face wet, going under, or something else?