Learning any new skill as an adult can be challenging, but swimming usually comes with more worries and fears compared to other activities. The dangers of the water are well known, and this can put some adults off learning how to swim. However, learning how to swim is a vital skill that can help you if you ever get stuck in an emergency situation, plus swimming can be a great hobby that’s beneficial for your health and well-being. In this article, we take a look at several tips for adults learning to swim.
Visit the pool at quiet times
Learning to swim in a packed pool full of noisy children and adults can add to the pressure and increase your stress levels, plus you won’t have as much space to take your time and get accustomed to the water. You’re best to choose times when the pool is likely to be quiet and calm; this will help you remain calm and give you enough space to practise your strokes. Most swimming pools are quieter during the week when children are at school, and many people are at work. However, it’s always worth calling up and asking your local pool to find out what times are quiet.
Get used to the water
If you don’t know how to swim, it’s probably likely that you haven’t spent much time in the water. The first step to learning how to swim is to get used to spending time in the water. Stand in the shallow end of the pool, where you can comfortably touch the floor with your feet. You can then walk around slowly and get used to how your body feels in the water. After a while, you’ll become more comfortable with this feeling, and you can progress to swimming.
Use flotation devices
A good tip for new swimmers is to use flotation devices to keep their heads and shoulders out of the water. This will allow you to concentrate on moving your legs in the right motion to enable you to swim properly. When you focus on your legs and arms independently, it can be easier to master swimming. You can practise arm movements when you’re standing up in the shallow end of the pool. Once you have the hang of both arms and leg movements, you can combine them together and start practising without floatation devices.
Start off slowly
Learning to swim and being confident in the water takes time and effort; you are unlikely to grasp it completely after one session. Keep practising regularly, spending short periods of time in the water. Don’t sign up for any events or triathlons until you’re a more experienced swimmer, although energy gels for a triathlon can be good if you want to replenish your energy stores after a difficult training session. Consistency is key to learning to swim; try to visit the pool at least once a week to keep developing your swimming skills.
Attend adult swimming lessons
Many adult swimming lessons are held all over the country; these lessons are run by professional teachers with experience teaching adults how to swim. Signing up for a course or a set of swimming lessons is a great idea; it will ensure you stay on track and learn all the basics as well as more complicated swimming techniques. What’s more, you’re likely to feel safer and push yourself further when an experienced professional teacher is on hand to guide you through the process. Adult swimming teachers are used to helping adults of all ages and professions learn how to swim, no matter what your experience or fears.
Learning to swim is a great skill to have; you never know when you might need it in an emergency situation. In addition, swimming can be a fun hobby that’s also great for your fitness levels. Swimming is low-impact, unlike other sports, so it’s great for people with joint and mobility issues. If you’re unsure about learning how to swim as an adult, follow the tips in this article and get started. One of the best pieces of advice for anyone that’s worried is to sign up for adult swimming lessons; this will make the process much easier and more structured.
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