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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  Conquer your fear with this simple trick.

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.

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.

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I would like some help with swimming training to be a lifeguard. 'This sounds like a challenging test for a lifeguard position, and it is clear that your stamina and overall fitness level are holding you back.'

I would like to learn how to swim faster. What are techniques for faster swimming? 'Good swimming is about efficiency through the water, and fast swimming is about good efficiency.'

I want to swim longer distances without getting tired. 'The secret to swimming long distances is to relax and make your strokes long.'

My 5-year-old son has dyspraxia, which means he finds it difficult to coordinate himself and has poor muscle tone. 'This is a very common occurrence with children learning to swim and may have little to do with his dyspraxia.'

I am not quite a non-swimmer in that I can swim widths (even, occasionally, a length) of backstroke... 'It is important to take a step back from swimming for a moment and understand what is going on here, and please forgive me for stating some very obvious things.'

I have a question about swimming pool etiquette... 'This is an interesting one. As far as I am aware, there is no right or wrong answer, and I do not think there are any rules.'

I am getting frustrated learning to swim. I am a fit and healthy 61-year-old non-swimmer. 'I have met many like you over the years, and you are by no means alone here.'

Learning to stand up is holding me back. 'Stopping and standing up mid-swim is a vital part of learning to swim and is a cause of stress for many adults I have taught over the years.'

Do you have any advice for me on why on some days I can swim quite well, but on other days I can't swim at all? 'There could be several reasons for this, some of which could be related to the pain you are experiencing in your leg.'

I can only swim with the help of a swimming noodle or facing up, if I try to swim on my own facing down, my body starts sinking. 'From the information you have given us, your problem could be related to the power of your stroke, your ability to relax, or a combination of both.'

I would like to know which swimming techniques one could use to swim with head above the water.  'I have met many people like you over the years, and your desire is not uncommon.'

How do you return to standing when swimming in a prone position? 'Getting back to a standing position whilst swimming requires a combination of movements, some of which are simultaneous.'

I am trying to master breathing when swimming. How do I control my breathing... 'The most comfortable method of breath control is trickle breathing. This is the act of slowly breathing out into the water whilst swimming or gliding.'

I need to some help with learning to put my face in the water. 'Learning how to put your face in the water can sometimes be scary when learning how to swim. The best thing to do, if it is something that you find challenging, is to approach it in stages.'

I am wondering where to start learning to swim. 'As a beginner learning how to swim for the first time, the most important parts to concentrate on will depend mostly on your confidence level.'

I lack everything about swimming. I want to learn some basic swimming tips and what to do to keep afloat. 'First, it does not matter who will notice that you are not a swimmer. Many adults cannot swim and wish they could, but most stay away from the pool because they are embarrassed.'

I am kicking when swimming, and I think I never bend my knees enough. What is the correct movement required? 'This depends on which leg kick or swimming stroke you are learning.'

I would like to learn treading water. I am currently learning to swim, but the pool is too shallow to learn this technique. 'Treading water is simply swimming in an upright position, with your head remaining above the water level, in one place without travelling through the water.'

I would like to learn how to dive without holding my nose. 'The first thing you need to do is learn to submerge without holding your nose. Step back from diving and swimming altogether and start standing in the pool with the water about chest depth.'