Set the timer to 5 seconds

Online timer for 5 seconds

Standing beside the diving board, you give a child or student a clear cue, then watch their face and posture while the five seconds pass. The brief pause can stop a rushed launch and create a shared moment of readiness before they move. Your role is to keep the count predictable without distracting them as they prepare to leave the board.

From the poolside, you can judge whether the pause suits this diver rather than treating the displayed setting as fixed. The duration can be changed directly on the page if they need a little longer to settle, or shortened if waiting makes them tense or breaks their concentration. Keep the cue and timing consistent so they know when the pause begins and when it is their turn to move.

Watching the diver across several turns gives you a practical guide for adjusting the count to the task. A learner still checking their feet may need more preparation time, while a confident child who is already set may respond better to a shorter pause. At an outdoor Australian pool, glare, a wet board or noise from a busy swimming lesson can also affect how quickly they recognise your cue. Match the duration to what you observe, while leaving the decision to dive with the person on the board.