How to Teach Swimming

The key to successfully teaching a student to swim is to understand his fears and get him used to the water. Many swimming instructors start in the water and expect their students to join them, but a conscientious teacher should not assume that entering the water is an easy step. Talk to your student and find out his fears and goals before beginning to teach.

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk to your student away from the water. Get a good sense of your student's previous swimming experience. Also, you should find out if your student has had any previous traumatic experiences in the water. This information will help you understand your student's experience level and any reservations about the water.

    • 2

      Bring your conversation to the water if the student allows it. If your student willingly sits at the side of the pool and discusses his swimming experience with you, great. If he is hesitant to get near the water, do not push him until he is ready.

    • 3

      Start slowly entering the water by sitting the student on the side of the pool. Do this at the shallow end of the pool so that if he is scared of the water, his feet will touch the bottom as he enters the pool, making him feel safe.

    • 4

      Teach the student to safely enter the water. Show your student how to hold the wall with two hands while sliding their body into the water. Have your student practice this several times until he can do it by himself with confidence.

    • 5

      Go at the student's pace. If your student can only get as far as entering the water for the first few lessons, then count that as a victory. Once he is comfortable getting in the water, then you can start teaching swimming basics.

    • 6

      Remain patient with your student's progress. It is not a reflection on you if your student's fear delays his progress. Your student must overcome his fear before you can teach him to swim, so be patient and encourage him no matter how long it takes.