How to Learn Swimming

Taking swimming lessons is a common activity for many children across the United States during the hot summer months. However not all children have the opportunity to learn how to swim when they are young, and some fear water as a result of not knowing this skill. It is possible for adults of any age to become comfortable being around and in natural bodies of water if they dedicate their time and energy to learn swimming.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Enroll in swimming lessons. Parents often enroll their children in swimming lessons to teach them how to swim and survive in water. However these lessons aren't limited to just children, since adults can benefit from swimming lessons as well.

Step 2

Hire a private instructor. If you find it embarrassing to take lessons as part of a group, you can hire a private instructor to work with you individually. Swim.com maintains a database of private instructors, which you can search to find instructors in your area.

Step 3

Become comfortable with water. For adults who have failed to learn how to swim as a result of their fear of water, the biggest challenge is often confronting the fear. Take small steps toward being comfortable with water. This may include dangling your feet in over the side of a dock or entering a lake or ocean gradually at a beach access point.

Step 4

Practice floating. Learning this skill allows you to survive in the water even if you can't swim. Floating keeps your head and the majority of your body above the surface of the water allowing you to breathe. This can be learned in shallow water at an early stage before you learn the different swimming styles.

Step 5

Learn the different types of swimming. Dog paddle, breast stroke and butterfly are just three of the different types of strokes a person can do. When learning to swim, take time to learn the various styles and then focus on mastering a few.

Step 6

Remain in the shallow water until you feel confident. Floating and many of the different swimming strokes can be completed in shallow water as you master how to swim. Stay in the shallow water until you feel confident to venture into deeper water.

Tips & Warnings

If a tragic accident is the reason for your fear of water, therapy may play an important role in your ability to conquer your fear and learn to swim.

Resources

Swim.com Private Instructors

Article Written By Abby Hall

Abby Hall has been a freelance writer since 2005, specializing in education, careers, health and travel. She has worked at educational institutions for more than 10 years. Hall has a master's degree in education administration from Fort Hays State University.

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