Hi everyone, I just wanted to share that I’m starting swim classes at the YMCA this Saturday. I had a scary experience of nearly drowning when I was 4, and since then, I’ve always stayed away from water.
After moving to Southern California for work, I decided it’s time to learn how to swim and challenge myself. I’m 31 now, and I know that learning as an adult can be tough.
Any tips would be appreciated, thank you.
That’s great! I’m a senior and learned to swim as a child, so I can’t share much about learning as an adult, but I want to say good for you and best of luck.
Hi and well done for taking the step to learn how to swim! I think it’s such an important skill.
I have 20 years of swim experience, including 14 years teaching others, from kids to seniors.
Teaching adults is definitely more challenging since they are often set in their fears. Breaking through that initial panic can be tough if you have a fear of water.
If your instructor is good, they’ll guide you and might even hold your hand as you try putting your face in the water. You can always ask for that. Your instructor will stay in the shallow end with you, helping you understand buoyancy and breathing. Just know it might take some practice to understand it, and that’s totally normal.
At home, practice by filling up your bathtub and putting your ears, nose, mouth, and eyes underwater. If you get water in your nose, try humming. Humming forces air out and may help keep water from going up your nose.
Get comfortable goggles that fit well, and choose a swimsuit that makes you feel good. Remember, other swimmers won’t judge you on your appearance; focus on feeling good.
In the water, take it easy. Move slowly; if you jerk around, it might make you panic. Stay calm and move gently.
With your instructor, try floating by holding your knees to your chest and relaxing your body. Get used to how the water moves you; eventually, you’ll get the hang of it. This may take time, but it’s worth it!
Be patient with yourself; it takes time and practice. Getting comfortable in water is often the hardest part, as it’s more about mental relief than physical skills.
Try to practice outside of your classes. If you see someone swimming well, don’t hesitate to ask them for tips. I swim at the Y and love to help folks learn to swim.
@Diana
I’m taking my lessons at the YMCA too, and I agree it’s definitely psychological.
Quincy said:
@Diana
I’m taking my lessons at the YMCA too, and I agree it’s definitely psychological.
You’re not alone; almost every swimmer deals with those fears at some point. Keep going, and view it as a lifelong learning adventure. After 40 years of swimming, I’m still learning new things.
Make sure to tell your instructor about your past experience and take it easy on yourself. The key is to feel comfortable with your face in the water and get good at floating. You can practice blowing bubbles underwater at home too. If you feel you are getting stuck or panicking, humming can help as it keeps water from going up your nose.
When you feel ready, join us at oceanswimoc.com. We’re a supportive group of swimmers at all levels and we’re free!
Just make sure you can swim 300 yards nonstop first.
You’ll be glad you decided to confront your fears! I also nearly drowned at 4, and took swimming lessons in my late twenties. In the beginning, just putting my face in the water and blowing bubbles made me panic, but the joy of finally swimming was unforgettable. Be patient and good luck!
That’s amazing! I started learning at 40. Go at your own pace and enjoy your time in the water. Those initial panic moments will go away over time. It took me a year to feel comfy swimming in a lane. Best wishes! The swimming community is really supportive.
My wife learned to swim too. It really takes practice.
That sounds scary, and I’m sorry that happened! I learned at 31 as well, and my advice is to be patient and persistent. It’s not going to come easily, and at times it will feel like you’re struggling. But trust me, once it starts to click, it’s a fabulous experience. Stay diligent, even if it gets hard, keep showing up to class. You can do this!
Start with the basics and break it down. Focus on legs, arms, and core separately, so each part strengthens over time. Tim Ferris discusses this idea. If you try to rush all parts at once, it might be harder to get it all together.
One challenging part might be getting used to having your head underwater without plugging your nose. Practice blowing bubbles while half submerged, finding what it feels like to hold your breath as well as blowing air out. Calm breathing helps too!
Try to visit the pool outside of class. If you’re at the YMCA, those aqua aerobics classes can be great without putting your head underwater, which may be useful if you’re feeling anxious about dunking it.
Stay consistent. Progress won’t always be smooth, but swimming 3-5 times a week should help you improve. Everyone starts somewhere. When I began, I was sometimes embarrassed, but it’s a part of the learning process.
Treat this as you would any new skill. Enjoy the journey!
@Ira
I only made it halfway across the pool today. This post made me feel better. I was upset after my last lesson since I didn’t feel like I accomplished much.
Quincy said:
@Ira
I only made it halfway across the pool today. This post made me feel better. I was upset after my last lesson since I didn’t feel like I accomplished much.
I understand. I felt like I would never swim a full lap, but you’ll surprise yourself. Sometimes you’ll feel stuck for a few weeks, and that’s normal. Within a year, you’ll probably be swimming laps, especially with lessons.
Quincy said:
@Ira
I only made it halfway across the pool today. This post made me feel better. I was upset after my last lesson since I didn’t feel like I accomplished much.
You got this! I’ve been through the same process as an adult. While I’m not a competitive swimmer, I manage to swim laps for fitness several times a week now.
I can relate. I almost drowned at age 6 and had panic moments in the water when I couldn’t feel the bottom.
Starting at 42, it took me almost 6 months to feel comfortable. Be patient; this is a long journey. You might not see your progress while others zoom ahead, but focus on your pace and enjoy every small win.