Most people think of swim lessons as something that is only for children, but did you know, according to redcross.org, that 54% of adults either can’t swim at all or perform basic swim safety skills? There are many reasons that people never learn to swim, whether fear of water or they feel they’re too old. No one is too old to learn to swim!
Whether you’ve never had lessons or it’s been years, there are a couple of things to keep in mind before beginning your swim journey. Here are a few tricks and practices to know as you begin lessons:
Trust
Building trust can be difficult, especially when learning to adapt to water while overcoming different obstacles, such as fear. Finding an instructor to create a safe and authentic relationship can help you get more comfortable in the water and actually progress faster in lessons! At Hamptons Swim, our number one goal is to create strong relationships with our students, making it easier for swimmers to trust our instructors and themselves as they begin to independently swim.
Confidence
Learning to swim can be scary especially if you’re not used to being in a pool or by open water. Getting comfortable in the water is a great step to help boost your confidence during lessons. Before your lessons, try to get in the pool beforehand to begin creating a relationship with the water. It’s important to have fun and learn that the water is a place to connect with yourself and explore. By associating water with a welcoming, fun environment, lessons will be more enjoyable, allowing you to take more risks to push yourself. We are capable of anything and a little confidence can go a long way in swim lessons.
Safety
If you feel embarrassed learning how to swim as an adult, you might decide to swim alone when practicing skills. You should NEVER swim alone! We always suggest swimming in pairs or going to a pool where there is a lifeguard present, especially when you’re in the beginning stages of learning.
Gear
Having the right swim attire and gear can help you become more confident in the water. If you’re swimming in a chlorinated pool, goggles are a great way of getting comfortable putting your face in the water and practicing techniques to develop your stroke. Kickboards are another great tool when wanting to practice without an instructor. Check out our resources page for our favorite swim gear.
Time
One of the most important things to remind yourself is to be patient and kind to yourself, everyone learns at their own pace! You might think that after a couple of lessons you should be doing laps but the truth is the more you practice over time the better you will get. Every lesson you take is empowering you with the knowledge and tools to save yourself. As you begin, it can be frustrating, especially as an adult, but remember to stay positive and enjoy every lesson on your swim journey!
Our instructors have worked with students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re at the beginning of your swim journey or would like a refresher, we are here for you. Call today to schedule swim lessons with us. We look forward to working with you!