By Norwegian Swimming Federation, Peter Endresen
I DO use my legs as a means of propulsion and to keep me afloat.
I KNOW that if we tilt the noodle or lose rhythm, it will touch the water.
I REACT by adjusting my movements and helping my partner to keep balance.
I FEEL safe and supported when working with a partner/group.
I LIKE cooperating in the water to reach a shared goal.
The children work together to keep the noodle above water and complete the task without letting it touch the surface, showing trust, communication and basic kicking ability.
One noodle per pair/group
~2x5 meters per pair
for children aged 4-8
Children 8+ can try to swim further than 5 m.
Pairs/groups of 3. Children swim one in front of the other or side-by side while holding a shared noodle. Ensure even ability matching where possible. The instructor provides encouragement and ensures a calm, safe environment.
In shallow water where the instructor can stand, recommend being inside the pool.
In deep water, instructor is recommended to stay outside the pool to have an overview over the different groups.
5–15 minutes. Ideal for the middle or end of a session to reinforce group connection and shared mastery.
Comfort in water, floating and basic kicking ability.
Each pair/group of 3 holds one noodle, one at the front and one at the back (if 3, one in the middle). They must swim across the pool using leg kicks only, ensuring the noodles don’t touch the water. They must communicate and adjust together to succeed.
If some of the children can stand in the shallow pool, it could be useful to say that it is not allowed to touch the floor. A smart and fun way say this could be: ”the floor is lava”.
