Learning to swim as an adult

Ello all.

I am currently learning how to swim. Went last night with YC and his folks and am very slowly gaining confidence little by little in the water. The reason why I can't swim goes back to those school swimming trips as a kid, first time I went when I was about 11, ended up panicking in the deep end and had to be rescued by a child blessed with much bouyancy, bless her (Supervisor had left the pool ). I hadn't been anywhere near a swimming pool since until a couple of years ago when I went with a friend and after 3 hours I could get halfway across the width of the pool before realising I wasn't touching the floor and panicking

As a result I panic badly when my head goes under suddenly. I can take a deep breath and stay fully submerged for a few seconds (while stationary) but when I go under involuntarily (i.e. when I've lost momentum) I have a tiny panic attack and get really upset. I really want to be able to do this with confidence and I realise it's going to take time and practice, I just wondered if any of you guys might have had the same problem (learning as an adult) and any tips you may have?

Obviously different people have different ways of teaching (As I found out last night lol), those of you who can swim, how would you go about trying to get someone confident in the water and trusting it?

I was using one of these last night
(cute kid huh?)

and although it helped loads I can't help feeling like it's not me floating as it's just keeping me up. I know as humans we float naturally but it's easier said than done when you're convinced you're going under. Apparently I improved loads last night and admittedly I could "swim" a few yards but is there anything I can do to make it easier? Would be good to hear different takes on the matter.

Thanks for reading if you've got this far

MYC x

I guess you've tried the lying on your back thing. That was a big overcomer of the fear for me.

EDIT: Well done you for getting back in the water also

I would be interested in the replies to this. I too have this problem. Used to be quite a strong swimmer but got a really bad cramp in the deepend at High School and I went under and caused me a huge panic. One of the boys pulled me out but since then, I can't swim more than a few metres because I tense up so much in the water.

Well done you MYC for getting in the pool and going for it, total respect!

[Dave20046]

We float, aslong as you have air in your lungs you'll float. Best way in my minds just to spend time ****ing about in the pool with yc/someone observant&able to swim around to get used to it and comfortable, push your boundrys a bit further each time. Bit like motorcycling

I learned later, and one thing that helped me, was taking a deep breath, lying on my back, and floating. It really works, and doing that on my own, helped me relax a bit more.

Once you feel a bit more confident, it becomes so much easier, and it's all good. Just don't put yourself under any pressure, or let anyone else.

I find that lying on my back gets m confidence back up if i haven't been swimming in ages, face is always above the water that way or try getting some one to put there arms under your body to keep you afloat while you swim, that's the way I was taught when i was small.

Originally Posted by Plowsie

I guess you've tried the lying on your back thing.

Originally Posted by shonadoll

I learned later, and one thing that helped me, was taking a deep breath, lying on my back, and floating. It really works, and doing that on my own, helped me relax a bit more.

This is what I meant.

The idea of it is to build a big confidence in the water, you realise you can float. The thing to also remember, if you start to sink, quick push on the bottom and your back up there with everyone. I prefer underwater, can't hear all the screaming scrotes.

[ophic]

get some lessons! They're really not that expensive.

Originally Posted by plowsie

I guess you've tried the lying on your back thing. That was a big overcomer of the fear for me.

Yeah, I did that but I can't remember if I managed to do it without the noodle thing now lol. It felt lovely to just float there. On my back I do find it easier.

Originally Posted by Milky Bar Kid

I can't swim more than a few metres because I tense up so much in the water.

Tensing up I can understand. Within the first half hour of being in the pool my back was in agony. I was arching it so much to try get my back end to float that I ended up in pain! By the end of the session my posture was apparently loads better, and my back a little more relaxed. The rest of my body was happy to relax but my back was having none of it!

Originally Posted by shonadoll

Just don't put yourself under any pressure, or let anyone else.

I have a habit of getting cross with myself which is a tough one to kick. I want to do it so badly and it just doesn't come as easily as it should

Originally Posted by Dave20046

Best way in my minds just to spend time ****ing about in the pool with yc/someone observant&able to swim around to get used to it and comfortable, push your boundrys a bit further each time. Bit like motorcycling

One of my main fears was splashing about in the pool with too many people about, we've found a pool that has adults only swimming a couple of evenings a week so we plan to go there once a week until I'm confident enough to swim normally.

YC's fab he explains the technical side to it all which helps me understand it better as I like to know what forces are involved. And he's patient which is a must with me!

I know what you mean about having someone observant about, it really helps to have someone pointing out exactly what I'm doing wrong.


As for the comments about me doing well getting back in the pool well it's a bit of a no brainer really, I have no choice, I want to swim and the only way to do it is overcome the fear!

Originally Posted by ophic

get some lessons! They're really not that expensive.

Suppose but to be honest I'd rather have someone I know and trust with me. I really do hate it when I go under suddenly and it's really comforting to have a friend/someone you love always there. And why waste money if someone is willing to spend the time and effort with me? :shrug: