How to Not Sink While Swimming

Swimming without sinking requires patience and practice. Remaining on or near the surface is a developed skill. The skill is essential for competitive and survival swimming and is often the initial focus of introductory swimming courses. Swimming on the surface is possible in a high and low effort capacity without the use of flotation aides. An intense physical effort is required for swimming at a fast pace and covering distance, but a slow moving, dead-man float is ideal for survival situations and beginning swimmers.

Things You'll Need

  • Fins
  • Arm floats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Maximize the surface area of your body by laying flat on your stomach or back. Maintain a straight back and spread your arms out to form a cross. Do not make any fast or erratic motions and you will float on the surface. Panic and motion are the causes of sinking in a still position.

    • 2

      Cup your hands and move your arms in a windmill motion while kicking your legs to begin swimming. Maintain a flat position with your back for the backstroke and turn your torso only for breathing on the freestyle stroke.

    • 3

      Add power and speed to your kicking motion and stroke motion. More power creates a fast propulsion and allows more range of motion. The speed is now floating your body more than the surface area. Maintain a larger surface area as you slow the swimming speed.

    • 4

      Add fins to your feet as a training aid. The fins increase your swimming power, speed and help you float as you gain strength.

    • 5

      Wear arm floats as a training aid for floating. The arm floats increase confidence and prevent panic. The floats allow you to experiment with different positions in the water and eventually you will remove the floats.