Swimming Tips for Beginners

Let's Get You Swimming: Essential Beginner Tips

So, you want to venture into the swimming pool, and are you looking for some swimming tips for beginners?  Awesome! Whether you're just getting started or trying to shake off the nerves, I've got you covered. I'll take you through the basics in a way that makes them totally doable. Let's jump in - no pun intended!

Get To Know The Water First

If the thought of water makes you tense up, don't worry - it's totally normal. The trick? Spend some time just being in the water before you start thinking about strokes or techniques.

• Start Shallow: Hang out in the pool's shallow end, where you can stand comfortably. Let yourself get used to the feel of the water.
• Face Dips: Try dunking your face underwater and blowing bubbles. It's a simple way to practice exhaling without swallowing a gallon of pool water.
• Gear Up: Grab some goggles to keep the chlorine out of your eyes and maybe a swim cap if your hair tends to get in the way. Using goggles will literally open up a new world underwater, give you clear perception and help you feel safe.

Quick tip: Knowing basic pool safety - like recognising depth markers and lifeguard signals - can make you feel more in control.

The Complete Beginners Guide To Swimming 

Professional guidance and support to help you through every stage of learning how to swim.

Discover everything you need from first entering the pool and building confidence to floating and breathing. Plus, 82 exercises to master the four basic swimming strokes.(click here for an instant preview) 

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Floating and Gliding: Your First Skills

Floating might look easy, but it's a game-changer for building confidence. And once you nail it, gliding becomes a breeze.

• For Floating: Lie back, let your body relax, and spread your arms and legs like a starfish. Keep your belly and chest up! Still got that sinking feeling? That's okay! Try it with someone nearby to support you. Floating doesn't always come naturally - here's why.
• For Gliding: Push off the pool wall with your arms stretched out in front like Superman. Keep your body straight and your face down in the water. Gliding is an essential skill - learn more here.

Think of floating and gliding as your foundation building blocks - they get you comfortable and ready to progress.

An essential skill that come part-and-parcel of floating and gliding is standing up from a prone (face down) position. Once you master the art of standing from a floating and gliding postion, your swimming confidence will climb to another level. Click here to learn how to stand up mid swim.

Breathing: The Key Ingredient

Breathing right is what separates a chill swim from a frantic doggy paddle. Let's break it down.

• Practice in Shallow Water: Take a deep breath, put your face in the water, and slowly exhale. When you run out of air, lift your head and inhale.
• Stay Calm: The more relaxed your breathing, the less tired you'll feel. Trust me - mastering this will make swimming feel way less exhausting.

Learning how to breathe without gasping for air is a must for every beginner learning to swim. Click here for more on swimming breathing techniques.

Learning how to go underwater is one of the most important basics to master when learning how to swim. Learn more about breathing and submerging here.

Let's Talk Swimming Strokes: Start Simple

Don't worry too much about exact techniques right now. Focus on some easy movements:

• Freestyle (Front Crawl): Alternate your arms like you're reaching for something far away.Add flutter kicks (small, fast kicks) and turn your head to the side for a quick breath. Need more front crawl details? 
• Breaststroke: Keep your head above the water and use your arms to pull in circles in front of you.Add circular frog-like kicks that whip around, using the soles of your feet to boost you through the water. Does breaststroke sound like the stroke for you? Full details here.

These swimming strokes are a great starting point, especially if you're only just learning.

Go here for more on the types of swimming strokes.

Use Tools to Make Life Easier

Sometimes, a little help goes a long way. Swimming aids are like training wheels for the pool.

• Kickboards: Hold onto one and focus on perfecting your kicks.
• Pull Buoys: Put this between your thighs to work on arm strength without worrying about kicking.
• Fins: Slip them on for extra propulsion, which helps you focus on form without getting too tired.

Using these tools not only boosts your confidence but also helps you learn faster.

Are you an adult want to learn how to swim and you're wondering 'can adults learn to swim?' - you absolutely can! Click here to discover why.

Conquer the Fear Factor

Let's face it - fear can be a huge roadblock. But fear not -you'll get there when you take things one step at a time!

• Small Wins Matter: Celebrate every tiny victory, like putting your head underwater or floating for a few seconds.
• Find a Buddy: Whether it's a swim coach or a friend, having someone there makes the whole experience less daunting.
• Keep It Light: Don't stress over perfection. Progress happens in small, consistent steps.

Remember, even seasoned swimmers were once beginners. Go here to learn more about swimming in the deep end. 

Do you have a fear of water? Conquer your fear of water with this simple trick.

An important water skill that can help to boost confidence and conquer any fears is treading water. Click here for more on how to tread water. 

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Let's keep things smooth by steering clear of some all-too-common errors:

• Holding Your Breath: Instead, exhale gently underwater and inhale quickly when you surface.
• Tensing Up: A stiff body is awkward to move. Stay relaxed to float and move more easily.
• Overthinking Arm Movements: Keep them controlled and fluid - no flailing allowed.

For a step-by-step guide to learning how to swim online, click here.

What Now? You're Ready to Dive In!

Learning to swim is all about taking it one step at a time. Start with the basics, practice regularly, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Before you know it, you'll be gliding through the water without a care in the world.

All of the swimming tips for beginners that you need are right here, including relaxing, floating, submerging and basic swimming techniques can be found in my massively popular book, The Complete Beginners Guide To Swimming.

Click to download an INSTANT PREVIEW to your computer, tablet or mobile device.

The Complete Beginners Guide To Swimming

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For some of the most commonly asked swimming questions, click here.

Have you heard about the Teach America To Swim campaign? Click through to discover more.