I am 34 years old and I am really desperate to learn to swim. When I took a class last year I stopped going because the instructor wanted to move to deeper water (8 feet) and I was afraid because I can only stand up in 6 feet of water. I feel comfortable swimming with a noodle to hold my upper body up and an instruction/therapy bar to hold on while I move through the pool, but letting go has been very difficult for me because I keep thinking that I will not stay afloat. Can someone please give me some tips or something that will help me just let go. It took a lot for me to just get to the point of actually trusting the flotation devices. I am starting more lessons on 3/16 and I hired a private instructor for inbetween class times. I just really have a desire to swim for the rest of my life. Please help me out. I'm really desperate here in Virginia.
Parents
Former Member
Brenda,
First and formost, congrats on trying something new, obviously you are looking to step beyond your comfort zone - good for you. As for where to begin with your instructor, talk to them and let them know where you are coming from (It appears you have some apprehension towards water, why? did you have a near drowning when you were younger, you just never had a chance to swim or your parents were afraid of water and transfered that fear to you - these are some of the reasons I have experienced when teaching adult lessons).
Getting comfortable in the water is your first step, no need to go into 8 feet of water, 4 feet will work just as well. Get comfortable with some of the basic skills, floating on your front (stomach) on your back, submerging underwater and holding your breath, rhythmic breathing (sometimes called bobs). Once you have mastered these skills - swimming is built on these foundations. To master these skills, start by holding on the wall or even a very shallow portion of the pool (6 to 12 inches works, just lying in water experimenting with bouyancy on your front and back and slowly progress to deeper water, up to that 4 ft area. Once you are comfortable start using free floating support (kickboards, noodles, floating barbells whatever), once you have mastered that then think about doing it without support and that is all swimming is. Good luck, take your time and make sure you are communicating to your instructor.
Jeff
Brenda,
First and formost, congrats on trying something new, obviously you are looking to step beyond your comfort zone - good for you. As for where to begin with your instructor, talk to them and let them know where you are coming from (It appears you have some apprehension towards water, why? did you have a near drowning when you were younger, you just never had a chance to swim or your parents were afraid of water and transfered that fear to you - these are some of the reasons I have experienced when teaching adult lessons).
Getting comfortable in the water is your first step, no need to go into 8 feet of water, 4 feet will work just as well. Get comfortable with some of the basic skills, floating on your front (stomach) on your back, submerging underwater and holding your breath, rhythmic breathing (sometimes called bobs). Once you have mastered these skills - swimming is built on these foundations. To master these skills, start by holding on the wall or even a very shallow portion of the pool (6 to 12 inches works, just lying in water experimenting with bouyancy on your front and back and slowly progress to deeper water, up to that 4 ft area. Once you are comfortable start using free floating support (kickboards, noodles, floating barbells whatever), once you have mastered that then think about doing it without support and that is all swimming is. Good luck, take your time and make sure you are communicating to your instructor.
Jeff
