For many adults, the fear of water is a significant barrier to learning to swim. Understanding and addressing this fear is the first step toward becoming a confident swimmer.  Even if fear does not seem to be a major barrier it is important to feel comfortable and safe.  

Starting anything new comes with challenges, it's important to recognise and accept this as a normal part of the journey. It is ideal to have an experianced teacher work with you and assist in making you feel confident.  Always remember that this is YOUR journey.  If your teacher does not make you feel comfortable, try another or work with a friend to share the experience.  

Gradual Exposure: Start with shallow water where you can stand comfortably. Spend time getting used to the sensation of water around you.

Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing exercises to stay calm. Learn to exhale slowly under the water to get used to the feeling.

Professional Guidance: Consider working with a swim coach or therapist who specializes in aquaphobia. They can provide personalized strategies to overcome your fear.

Finding the Right Swim School or Instructor:

Choosing the right swim school or instructor is crucial for a positive learning experience.  Research and Reviews: Look for swim schools with good reviews and testimonials from adult learners. Online forums and local community groups can be helpful resources.

Essential Swimming Gear for Beginners:

Having the right gear can make your learning experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Swimwear: Choose comfortable swimwear that allows for easy movement. Many beginners prefer one-piece swimsuits or swim trunks with supportive linings. 

Goggles: Invest in a good pair of goggles to protect your eyes from chlorine and improve visibility underwater.

Swim Cap: A swim cap can help keep your hair out of your face and reduce drag in the water.

EXTRA gear

Nose Clips and Earplugs: These can help keep water out of your nose and ears, making you more comfortable.

Basic Swimming Techniques for Adults:

Start with the basics and gradually build your skills.  This is where we will differ from many articals, or programs on how to swim.  We are not going to tell you about floating or kicking or freestyle.  To use these are all just outcomes or by products of actually learning fundamental aquatic skills! 

Body Awareness: Understanding your body, the water and how the two interact is fundamental. It helps you get comfortable in the water by allowing you to feel and experience the water, its forces and support without expectation of 'swimming'.

Breathing: Is a powerful tool and we often underestimate how important breathing is to how we feel and our ability to stay calm.  In our programs we focus on breathing as a foundational skill that is more than 'bubbles out, breath in'.

Movement: How we get around in water is a practical application of physics.  While that might not sound like much fun for some people it actually helps simplify the learning process.  This is because it helps understand the cause and effect of different movements and ultimately how we can effectively and efficiently move ourselves where we want to go.

Strokes: So many people get hyper focused on being able to swim strokes like the front crawl (freestyle) and backstroke.  For most this is why they struggle or make slow progress.  A good stroke is much easier to do if you have a great foundation.  It is kinda like asking a novice cook to make a restaurant quality dish when they don't understand what the ingredients are,  how to operate the utensils or even turn on the stove.  

Tips for Staying Motivated:

Staying motivated is key to progressing in your swimming journey.

Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals for each session, such as progressing a skill or introducing a new variation. 

Track Progress: Keep a journal of your progress. Celebrate milestones, no matter how small.  It is easy to loose track of how far you have progressed without a reference.

Reward Yourself: Treat yourself after reaching your goals, whether it's a small treat or a relaxing day off.

Learning to swim as an adult is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and the right guidance. By addressing your fears, finding the right resources, and staying motivated, you can become a confident swimmer and enjoy all the benefits that swimming has to offer. So take the plunge, start your lessons, and discover the joy of swimming.

Where to start & some key considerations:This might seem trivial but who is the learner?  Someone looking to build laps and become more efficient in the water will have different needs to a four year old just getting orientated to water.  

Age and Skill Level:

Look for programs that cater to your specific age group and skill level. See if they specialise in a specific group or have a broad range of offerings.

Class Size and Instructor Ratio:

Smaller class sizes and a low student-to-instructor ratio in theory should mean more personalised attention and instruction but this is not always to case.  Take into consideration how much time each student is getting on any particular skill or activity.  Are there any other benefits they might get out of different class sizes such as social interaction.  

Qualifications and Experience of Instructors:

Check the qualifications of the instructors. They should be certified with an appropriate level of qualification for the groups they are working with. Instructor experience in teaching and working with various age groups can be important.  A long history of teaching or experience does not guarantee quality.  Look for instructors who demonstrate a willingness to learn and improve their skills over time.

Teaching Methods and Philosophy:

Understand the teaching philosophy of the program. Some programs focus on a gentle, gradual approach, while others might adopt a more rigorous method. Choose one that aligns with your or your child’s preferences.

Safety Measures and Facilities:

Ensure the program follows strict safety protocols. The facility should be clean, well-maintained, and equipped with safety features like lifeguards, first aid kits, and proper pool fencing.

What to Look for in a good program:

Positive Reviews and Recommendations:

Look for programs with positive reviews and recommendations from other parents or swimmers. Testimonials and word-of-mouth referrals can provide valuable insights.  Look for common themes in feedback such as ‘frequent change of teachers’ or ‘communication between parent, teacher and facility was great.’

Trial Classes or Assessments:

Programs that offer trial classes or initial assessments allow you to gauge the suitability before committing.  It is worth trying a few places before committing to one.

Customised Lesson Plans:

A good program should be able to tailor lessons to individual needs and skill levels, ensuring personalised progress.

Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities:

The facility should be clean, well-lit, and equipped with modern amenities. Check for well-maintained pools, clean changing rooms, and adequate safety equipment.

Friendly and Approachable Staff:

The staff should be approachable, and willing to answer questions or concerns. They should also be able to help you understand why they do things the way they do.  A program that understands its approach to teaching and methodology should be able to give evidence based reasoning for their approach.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right swimming program involves careful consideration of various factors, from the qualifications of the instructors to the safety measures in place. By asking the right questions and knowing what to look for, you can find a program that meets your needs and provides a positive, enriching swimming experience. Whether you’re diving in for the first time or aiming to perfect your strokes, the right swimming program can set you on the path to success in the water.