How to Begin to Learn to Swim for Beginner Adults

Swimming is a skill many people take for granted. However, the activity can strike fear and doubt into the most confident adults if they lack proper swimming technique. Once an adult learns to swim, he will be able to participate in local swim clubs or low-impact exercise classes, or beat the summer heat with a refreshing dip. Learn to swim with adult classes offered at public facilities, membership-style fitness centers or via private classes.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the rails of the pool's entrance steps and step into the water. These steps are usually at the shallow end, so you will be able to stand, waist-deep, in the water. Rest, belly-down, on the pool deck while dangling your legs into the water. Lower yourself into the pool using your hands and arms.

    • 2

      Inhale deeply and roll onto your back while allowing your legs to leave the pool floor. This lesson will demonstrate how your body floats. It is vital to understand that your body is semi-buoyant as long as air remains in your lungs.

    • 3

      Stand in the shallow-end, inhale and lower your head below the water line. Get used to the feeling of completely immersing your head under the water, standing up if you feel uncomfortable. Breathe out of your mouth or nose in slow, measured spurts, while completely submersed. This will teach you how to regulate the amount of carbon dioxide in your lungs to reduce the body's desire to breathe prematurely. Expell 60 to 80 percent of your lung capacity before bringing your head above the water line.

    • 4

      Lay forward onto your belly and paddle from front to back with your hands. This paddling motion will keep your head above the water line as you begin to incorporate opposing leg kicks that propel you forward. Immerse your head as you paddle and kick, remembering to exhale in short breaths.