Many people fear water, especially adults whom are not exposed to swimming when they were young. I was one of them. I am living in the city, far away from beaches and did not have many chances of going to the pool. But I taught myself how to swim.

The best way to learn when you are already an adult is to go to a pool where there are not many people. To learn how to swim in the sea or ocean is not a good idea. Firstly, the water is salty, a few gulps will put you off swimming. Secondly, waves will disrupt your concentration, especially when you are trying to float. As such, the best would be a private pool, where there will be no disruption, of noise and splashing of water.

If you are afraid of water, then start by trying to hold your breath underwater for 5 seconds and increase it to 10 seconds or longer. The longer you can hold your breath the better. Remember to fully immerse your head underwater. Do this yourself and do not get a friend to hold your head down. Lift your head above the water if you need air.

At this stage you should be comfortable enough to be fully immersed under water for a length of time. Try opening your eyes underwater, with goggles on. This will give you more confidence.

You are now ready to float. Go to about 4 to 5 feet of water at the side of the pool. When you stand in that location, ensure that your head is above the water. Hold on to the sides of the pool with both hands, head facing downwards, straighten your body and float, like sleeping lying face down. RELAX and feel the water supporting your body weight. Do not move. Your whole body has to be align, meaning your head and face must be in the water. Feel the sensation of floating. If you need air, tilt your head up, breath in and out fast, and put your head in the same position after breathing.

If you were holding on to dear life at the side of the pool while floating. You now have to increase your confidence further. Instead of gripping the side of the pool, open up your palm and touch the tip of the fingers to the sides and continue to float. You could imagine yourself like a dead body, floating in the pool. If you can do that, then let go and try not touching the sides, for a few seconds. You know that if you need to stand up, your head will be above water, so do not fear letting go.

You would have achieved a great deal if you can float, without touching anything. I am sure you would like to move, because floating is not swimming. So keep your body in

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