BACKGROUND: The appropriate organization of pedagogical content progression is crucial for effective swimming instruction across childhood. This study aimed to analyze the aquatic skills taught by swimming instructors, considering children aged 4-6 and 7-11 years. METHODS: Twenty-one swimming instructors participated (mean age: 35.14 ± 7.86 years; training: 10.10 ± 10.90 years; experience: 10.02 ± 10.98 years). Data were collected through an online questionnaire including sociodemographic information and four questions on pedagogical practices. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data through content analysis. RESULTS: For children aged 4-6, the most frequently taught skills were underwater vision (20), facial relaxation (20), breath control (19), leg propulsion (19), arm propulsion (19), and jumps (19). For those aged 7-11, emphasis shifted to technical skills, including tumble turns (21), breaststroke and butterfly leg kicks (20), arm strokes for backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly (20), and coordination in breaststroke and butterfly (20). CONCLUSIONS: Instructors demonstrate a consistent understanding of pedagogical priorities across age groups. The distinction between younger and older children reflects the need for developmentally appropriate teaching strategies to optimize learning in the aquatic environment.
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