Swimming is a wonderful activity for people of all ages to enjoy both in a swimming pool as well as in the beautiful oceans around the world, but some people are too afraid to ever learn how to swim. Many times, when young children are too frightened of the water and the risk of drowning, they never quite learn how to swim properly, and then, before they know it, they are adults who still don’t know how to swim, thus limiting them from a fun activity that can bring joy and health to the body.
If you have never been able to learn how to swim, it is never too late to learn. No matter what your age, you can start easing yourself into the water and learning the skills necessary to be a great swimmer, confident of yourself in the water.
Here are some tips to get you started if you want to teach yourself how to swim. Do so with the company of friends and family who already know how to swim in order to ensure your safety throughout the learning process.
Learn to Float
Stay in the shallow end of a pool while you learn to swim. The still waters of a pool are easier to learn in than the ocean. Make sure you are able to touch the floor and then, grasping the edge, try to allow your feet to float upward. The buoyancy you experience naturally should allow you to do so easily, as long as you are relaxed and not fearful.
Once you establish a sense of half of your body floating, attempt to float on your back. This technique will help you if you ever find yourself in water too deep to put your feet down to the floor. Floating on your back is very easy if you elongate your body and allow your legs, with core stability, to float upward. Don’t let the feeling of water on your ears deter you, as you will get used to all the sensations.
Learn to Feel Comfortable Underwater
If you need to, wear goggles to ease yourself completely under the water. Exhale or hold your breath for as long as you can comfortably do so, then push yourself back up out of the water. This may take some practice, but it will build your confidence as a swimmer.
Learn to Kick
To propel yourself through the water, you must first learn to kick with your legs. Try different techniques while you are holding onto the edge of the pool or floating on your stomach or back. You will note how far you go with different types of kicks. Remember to incorporate your arms to propel yourself further and keep yourself afloat.
Once you know how to move yourself through the water with your head above the water line, do the same thing underwater. See which one you like more. Wear goggles underwater to see where you are going, if you fear opening your eyes.
Try Different Strokes
Once you are really secure, you can begin incorporating various strokes, such as breaststroke, backstroke, and sidestroke. Before you know it, you will be swimming laps and racing with friends.