Tips
- Most public pools offer swimming lessons for all ages.
- Keep someone around until you feel extremely comfortable swimming.
- If you are nervous getting into the water, try putting your feet in first and slowly make your way in.
- Use a kick board, life jacket or arm floats to help stay afloat if you feel nervous about moving around the water.
- Having goggles, nose and/or ear plugs may make you more comfortable.
- Remember you can always put your feet down if you begin to panic.
- Have lots of energy and stay positive, learning to swim can be difficult!
Steps
1
Find a place with still water where you are comfortable such as a public pool or lake. Make sure the water is not too deep, around armpit level will be adequate.
2
Get into the water, placing your face in the water to blow bubbles until comfortable.
- When ready, hold onto the side of the pool or a person and allow your legs to float out behind you. This will be easier if your face is also in the water, but make sure you can still breath properly.
- Practice breathing by rolling your head to one side while the hand is up. This allows you the second you need to grab air and then roll your face back into the water. Lifting your head up may cause you to stop floating.
- Start kicking your feet without bending your knees. Make sure that your toes are pointing, like a ballerina. This allows you to see how swimming will feel while still having the safety of something to grab onto.
3
Facing the open water, use your arms and hands to propel yourself forward. Cupping your hands may be helpful.
- If you point your hand downward when it goes into the water, you should notice you will pick up speed.
- Use whatever stroke feels comfortable to you and keeps you moving in the water.
4
Allow your feet to float backward and begin kicking as you did while holding onto the wall. You should be fully floating now while moving forward.
- Think about elongating your body. You want to be long in the water, stretching your arms in front of you.
5
Flip onto your back if you get tired, letting your arms float to your sides like a 'T'. Let your feet float in front of you and Relax.
- If your legs sink while on your back, put your arms over your head like you are reaching for something. This will make your legs float.
6
Continue practicing until you have mastered this swimming technique. When ready, try more advanced swimming patterns like the butterfly or breaststroke to find your favorite.
