Many parents are surprised to find that their child is more comfortable submerging under water than floating on their backs. One common reason is that in order to float independently on their back, a child’s ears must be fully submerged under water. Our balance is controlled by our inner ears. Water flowing in and around the ear can cause a child to feel as though they are falling. It is a strange sensation that often is overcome by exposure and repetition. Eventually, with enough exposure, that feeling will be completely normal.