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Underwater Problem Solver Toolkit

This toolkit lists the pool-friendly objects I use to build calm, courage and underwater problem solving. Mix, match, and adapt them to your own pool and lesson plans. Some of the pieces are small and can be choking hazards, so always use them with close supervision and do not leave them out with young children.

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Fine-Motor & Object Manipulation

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Turtle Eggs

Weighted eggs with small turtles inside for open and close tasks in multiple body positions.

Great for careful hand work in different floats and positions, teaching fine-motor control and staying organized while under water.

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Treasure Chest

Simple underwater “job box” for coin-drop tasks and short bottom visits.

Great for short, clear underwater jobs that train precise placement, calm descents, and clean surfacing habits.

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Chalk

Pool-safe chalk for drawing temporary lines, letters, and shapes on the pool floor or wall.

Use for underwater writing and drawing, and small visual puzzles, learning buoyancy control, and basic problem solving within a single breath.

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Magnetic Tiles

Sinking magnetic tiles for building shapes and patterns on the pool floor.

Tiles are great for pattern memory and calm, deliberate hand work. Layers in working memory, spatial organization, and fine-motor control under mild breath pressure. Note: this specific brand sinks reliably; many others float.

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Knot-Tying Cord (thin)

Cord for tying and untying simple knots underwater.

Best for students with smaller hands. Introduces “sticky” tasks that rarely go perfectly on the first attempt. Works on fine-motor, spatial orientation, and staying composed when a task takes longer than expected or needs a redo.

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Knot-Tying Cord (thick)

Cord for tying and untying simple knots or an underwater “pull line” as part of an obstacle course. 

Best for adults. Introduces “sticky” tasks that rarely go perfectly on the first attempt. Works on fine-motor, spatial orientation, and staying composed when a task takes longer than expected or needs a redo.

Spatial Awareness & Reorientation

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Hoops (budget)

Entry-level hoops for basic swim throughs and body-orientation drills. Large color selection. 

Teaches students to line up their body, adjust their angles, and reorganize themselves after passing through a fixed opening.

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Hoops (premium)

Higher quality hoops. Better drainage design, thicker plastic, and stronger joint connections.

Teaches students to line up their body, adjust their angles, and reorganize themselves after passing through a fixed opening.

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Torpedo

Hydrodynamic dive toy for chase, catch, and interception drills

Iideal for reaction and path-prediction work. Students learn to track where it’s going, organize their approach, and time their movement

(Recomended)

Resistance & Anchoring

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10 lb Dive Brick

Rubber-coated weight for pushes, carries, and sit-on-the-bottom activities.

Introduce external load. Students learn to manage their body position, pacing, and effort while moving weight underwater.

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4 lb Soft Hand Weights 

Soft dumbbells with straps for loaded walks, sit-on-the-bottom activities, and anchoring equipment.

A good step between no load and heavier weights. Use for underwater walking, stability work, and as anchors for hoops, cords, or chests. They’re forgiving if bumped, so they are more appropriate for younger swimmers.

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"Turtle Egg Nest" (Ring)

Flat dive ring used as a “nest” to cluster small objects (like turtle eggs) on the pool bottom.

Creates a clean work zone, which helps with organization and clarity: students know where the task starts and ends.

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 2 lb Anchor Weight 

Compact neoprene dumbbell to keep chests or small targets from drifting on the pool floor.

A simple way to stabilize your setup so students aren’t chasing equipment around the pool

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