How to Swim & Back Float

Plunging into a pool or lake for the first time can be an intimidating experience as many experience fear of drowning in their first swimming experience. Fortunately, unlike the other way we leave our comfort zone of solid ground by taking flight in a plane, taking a plunge into water is a natural act for humans and one our bodies are built to handle. Humans are naturally buoyant and with practice, you will learn to float and swim on your back without fear of sinking.

Things You'll Need

  • Partner
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Instructions

  1. Back Floating

    • 1

      Practice floating with a partner to support your weight, with the partner offering less assistance as you get more comfortable until you are floating on your own.

    • 2

      Lay flat on your back in the water.

    • 3

      Point your arms straight above your head and hold your legs straight.

    • 4

      Lower your arms in the water and tilt your head back if your legs begin to sink.

    • 5

      Raise your arms out of the water and tilt your head forward if the opposite does not work.

    • 6

      Push your hips up toward the surface if both methods fail to find your buoyancy.

    • 7

      Relax and allow your body to float naturally. Struggling and moving will cause you to sink.

    Back Stroke

    • 8

      Float on your back with your arms straight down at your sides.

    • 9

      Kick gently with your feet until you are comfortable propelling yourself with your feet without your head going underwater.

    • 10

      Lift one arm out of the water and bring it over your head in an arc, keeping it straight.

    • 11

      Turn your hand so that it is perpendicular to the direction your arm is moving and pull it through the water, keeping it straight, until it returns to its position by your hip.

    • 12

      Continue taking strokes, alternating which arm is used, while kicking to propel yourself while floating on your back.