Swimming lessons

I would start by having her put her face in the water. This may sound very basic, but sometimes adults have some fear and need to start by getting used to getting their face wet. The next step would be to practice some breathing by turning the face to the side and breathing in and then turning the head and blowing bubbles (exhalling) with her face in the water. After she feels more at home in the water you can move on to kicking and arm stroke.

After having her get her face wet, blowing bubbles and breathing, but before having her try to learn kicks or strokes, it would be a good idea to let her learn to just float. New swimmers often think that if they aren't flailing their arms, the water won't support them and they'll sink. They need to understand that they can just float on top of the water without moving at all, at least for a little while. THEN they can start trying to go somewhere in the water, but with the confidence that they won't sink like a stone if they get too tired. That's the way I was taught. My instructor had me take a deep breath, lean back, put my arms out to the side and arch my back. She put her hand under the small of my back to support me initially, but then got me to float on my own. She would have us just float there, calmly, getting accustomed to the water holding us up. After your mom floats on her back, have her float on her stomach with her face in the water also. When she can do both without panic, start teaching her how to move. One other thing: once she can swim a few yards, take her to the deep end and teach her to tread water. It will improve her confidence when first swimming into the deep end.

Floating face down is very important, but be aware that some people have a body configuration that makes it difficult to return to their feet and no knowledge of how to maneuver to be able to breathe. You must be alert and prepared to assist in such a case.