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Water Adjustment Activities
- Transfer the athlete to the edge of the pool
- Use a sponge, water bottle or your hand, and gently wet the athlete's arms and legs
- If athlete accepts this, wet his/her back and stomach
- If athlete accepts this, carefully wet his/her face
- If athlete accepts this, prepare him/her to enter the water feet first with verbal, visual or tactile cues. Make it very clear to the athlete that he/she is entering the pool, feet first
- Use "Tips for Transferring" to safely move athlete into the shallow end of the water
- Gently lower the athlete so that his/her feet enter the water first
- If the athlete accepts this, gently and gradually lower the athlete into the pool
- Encourage the athlete to relax and enjoy the water
- For the first few times, keep the amount of time the athlete spends in the water brief (5-10 minutes)
- If a flotation aid is used, the coach should be familiar with how the device works and how to use and remove it safely.
- Gradually increase the time the athlete spends in the water
- Repeat the adjustment activities, as needed
- Talk to athletes as you go through each stage to gauge interest and to explain each activity.
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