During this stage children can become very mobile in the swimming lesson. The child's physical development on land means that they can walk up and down stairs, run, jump, throw and kick balls. This increased coordination means that the propulsive swimming skills start to become more controlled. The child can now combine both the paddling and kicking actions used in swimming. This allows them to swim more efficiently through the water. The child will also be capable of performing water safety and survival skills such as swimming in both the horizontal and vertical plane.

Parents and swimming teachers will also notice social and emotional changes in the child as they begin to play realistic games and become interested in interacting with other children. The child will show a strong desire to play independently in shallow water. This water play is important to teach children their boundaries in the water and must always be done under strict adult supervision. While independent play is important to develop a love and respect for the water, to develop a great swimming ability, children must be exposed to repetitive manipulation of the basic swimming skill.