by SanDee Winn

Created on: June 25, 2008   Last Updated: September 30, 2008

Learning to swim can open a whole new world of water sports and social opportunity. It is skill that all people should know, regardless of age, not only for safety, but so they can enjoy parties that take place at the beach, lake or backyard pool. Many countries and cultures put very little emphasis on swimming ability, but in the United States, water sports and water activities are a big part of social gatherings and the skill of swimming an essential part of being able to be safe and confident in and near the water.

Where you begin when learning to swim will depend on your level of confidence and ability. Having taught swimming to all levels; infant through adult and all levels from terrified to having no fear, I will begin at the first step: (always practice in an environment where there is a lifeguard or someone with you for safety purposes)

Getting comfortable with water:
- Get comfortable with water on your face and in your ears and eyes. While standing in water at a level that you are comfortable with; waist or chest level, splash your face with water and using a small cup or container, pour water over your head.
- Practice blowing bubbles in the water, first with just your face in the water and then when you are more confident, put your whole head under water and blow bubbles the whole time until you bring your head out of the water.

Learning how to move in the water:
- Holding onto the side of the pool or having someone assist you, practice laying face up in the water. You might float and you might not, depending on your level of relaxation and body fat. Make sure you are in a straight line; head back until ears are submerged. Your body will follow your head so keep putting it back until your legs rise. RELAX and let yourself float as if on a cloud.
- Now try doing the same exercise on your stomach. Hold onto the side of the pool with both hands and face the wall or have someone assist you. Put your face in the water and let your legs float to the surface. Make sure you are blowing your bubbles the whole time. Get comfortable with floating and learning how your body feels being independent in the water.
- Depending on your level of confidence at this point, have someone either hold both hands or stand to the side and hold you at your waist. Now putting your hands out in front of you and your face in the water, let your legs float to the surface and start kicking them. Make sure to blow your bubbles.
- When you are ready, let go of the pool or the person, and

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