Swimming for Senior Citizens

I never had the opportunity to learn to swim. I am an active senior citizen now. Is it too late to learn to swim? Can you give me some pointers on swimming for senior citizens?

It is never too late to learn to swim!

As for where to start, that all depends on how comfortable or uncomfortable you are in the water and in a swimming pool environment.

Find a quiet swimming pool that is not full of children jumping all over the place. Most pools have quiet and busy times, so pick a nice and quiet time. The middle of the day when the kids are in school is usually best.

If you are a complete non-swimmer, take a friend or relative with you for help and support, from a safety point of view if nothing else.

Get Comfortable First

If you have never been in a swimming pool before, then your first step is to become relaxed and at ease in the water just below shoulder depth. Walking around, bobbing up and down, getting your face wet and partially submerging are all ways of getting used to the water and getting used to how your body behaves.

If you are already comfortable in the water, then lifting your feet off the bottom and taking the plunge is the next step. You may wish to use some goggles to prevent water from getting in your eyes.

Get Comfortable First

If you have never been in a swimming pool before, then your first step is to become relaxed and at ease in the water just below shoulder depth. Walking around, bobbing up and down, getting your face wet and partially submerging are all ways of getting used to the water and getting used to how your body behaves.

If you are already comfortable in the water, then lifting your feet off the bottom and taking the plunge is the next step. You may wish to use some goggles to prevent water from getting in your eyes.

Breaststroke Is The Way Forward

The easiest swimming stroke to learn as an adult beginner is breaststroke. Swimming breaststroke allows you to swim with your face out of the water and your head above the water's surface. The arm and leg actions occur under the water, making the whole stroke easier and less tiring.

Use a swim noodle to give you some extra buoyancy and to help you get used to the arm and leg movements. 

Swim At Your Own Pace

Do not be put off if you get tired and out of breath. Your body is learning a new skill and exercising in a new way, so you are bound to get tired. For this reason, it is important to take things one step at a time and not overdo it.

When you walk out onto the poolside to get into the pool, do not be embarrassed. Many adults are embarrassed that they cannot swim and therefore shy away from trying. So, pat yourself on the back for having a go at learning something that many adults wish they could.

Get in the water, get on with it and enjoy yourself.

My eBook The Complete Beginners Guide To Swimming is the perfect support to help you through every stage of learning how to swim. Click the link below for more information.

The Complete Beginners Guide To Swimming

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