Photo by Brian Matangelo

 

About 54% of adults can’t swim well enough to save their own lives. Another 56% can’t perform the five basic skills needed to swim safely. Are you afraid of the water? Learning to swim could save your life. Instead of living in fear, embrace it!

Once you acknowledge your fear, you can make an effort to defeat it!

Not sure where to start? Here are the seven tips you need to learn how to swim. With these tips, you can discover the fun and joy of swimming.

Dive in with these seven tips today.

1. ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR FEAR

First, take a moment to acknowledge your fear. If you’re an adult wanting to learn how to swim, you’ve likely built up that fear over the years. Remind yourself that it’s never too late to take swimming lessons.

What caused your fear? Did you have a traumatic experience as a child? Did you develop a fear of drowning?

If you want to learn how to swim, you need to acknowledge the root of your fear before you can conquer it.

Once you accept your fear, make a commitment to yourself. Remind yourself why you want to learn to swim.

For example, do you want to play in the pool with your kids? Are you worried your young kids might fall into a pool? Maybe you want to take swim classes to save them in case of an emergency.

Give yourself a reason to commit yourself to swimming lessons. You can use that commitment for inspiration throughout the learning process.

2. GATHER EQUIPMENT

If you’re learning to swim as an adult, it’s important to gather the right equipment. For example, you’ll likely need goggles. Goggles will let you see underwater.

They can make it easier for you to conquer your fear and learn how to swim. Learning swimming techniques with your eyes closed, however, might prove difficult.

You might also need other tools, including:

• Kickboards
• Pool noodles
• Fins
• Other flotation devices

Don’t feel embarrassed about using swimming equipment. It’s not a weakness to need flotation devices to learn. Instead, these tools can help you learn safely.

In time, you’ll learn to set these tools aside to swim on your own.

Are you taking swim classes? Your instructor can help you determine what tools you need. This equipment can help you improve over time.

Meanwhile, you’ll feel safe and supported, even in the deep end!

3. SUBMERGE YOURSELF

If you want to learn how to swim, you’ll need to remain willing to get outside of your comfort zone.

Many instructors teach their students slightly above their level. These swimming techniques help students understand new concepts. It can also help them become independent learners.

Your instructor might push you outside of your comfort zone to help you progress as a swim student. As you push yourself, you’ll gain more confidence in the water.

When learning how to swim, you’ll need to learn how to put your face in the water. Breathing techniques are important, too. Otherwise, you’ll try swimming with your face out of the water, which makes learning difficult.

The sooner you’re comfortable submerging yourself, the easier it will become for you to learn how to swim.

It’s okay to feel nervous or afraid. Remember to embrace your fear. Then, you can learn to control your breathing.

BREATHING TECHNIQUES

First, dip your chin into the water. Breathe in through your mouth and out through your nose. Repeat this process for about 30 seconds.

Then, touch your nose and lips to the surface of the water. Practice inhaling through the corner of your mouth.

Wearing your goggles, try lowering your face into your water. Keep your mouth open. Air pressure should keep the water from entering your mouth or nostrils.

Lift your face and inhale while the tip of your nose touches the water.

Work with your swimming instructor to perfect your breathing technique.

4. SIGN UP FOR LESSONS

Remember, you don’t have to learn to swim alone. Instead, consider signing up for swimming lessons.

It’s sometimes difficult to learn these swimming techniques alone. You’ll want to make sure you’re learning how to swim safely.

A professional swim instructor can cut the learning process in half. They’ll speed up the learning process and make sure you’re safe. With their help, you can learn more swimming techniques than you would alone.

Don’t feel embarrassed about needing an instructor. Remember, you’re not the only adult who doesn’t know how to swim. The fact that you want to learn is a major step.

Look for a swimming instructor who has years of experience teaching adults.

5. KEEP PRACTICING

It’s okay to get frustrated at times. Remind yourself to keep practicing. You’ll learn the skills you need to swim safely over time.

It can take a few times in the pool before you feel comfortable. Schedule time for your swimming lessons every few days. Dedicate yourself to constant practice.

Remember, practice makes progress!

6. STAY PATIENT

When learning any new skill, the process isn’t instantaneous. Remind yourself to remain patient. Making mistakes is normal.

Otherwise, you could get frustrated with yourself and quit prematurely.

Think of yourself as a child learning a new skill. If you had a kid, you’d want them to remain patient, too. You can’t become an expert overnight.

Remaining patient and scheduling constant practice will help you progress as a swimmer.

7. DON’T SET A DEADLINE

About 37% of American adults can’t swim the length of a recreational pool. Every day you practice, you’re making a little progress.

Don’t make a strict deadline for yourself. Instead, realize how far you’ve come with every swim class.

It’s okay to establish goals for yourself. For example, maybe you want to swim the length of your pool. Establish your goals without a strict guideline.

Then, keep practicing until you accomplish your goals.

LEARNING TO SWIM: DIVE IN WITH THESE 7 TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Learning to swim is easier than you might think. However, it does take patience and practice. With these seven tips, you can dive into your swimming lessons with ease!

Want to sign up for lessons? We’re here to help.

Learn more about our swim lessons today to get started.