Beginner's Swim Lesson Checklist

When you're ready to finally jump into the deep end of the pool and take swimming lessons, you'll first need to create a checklist of the gear that is required and the skills that are recommended.

  1. Swimwear

    • The right swimwear will help you glide through the water with less effort and streamline your swimming technique. Choose a fitted, one-piece swim suit without any added embellishments, such as beads, ruffles or extra fabric. A silicone or Lycra swim cap will help contain hair, and a pair of goggles will allow you to see where you are going under water and protect the eyes from irritation. Add to the basics by getting ear and nose plugs to keep out the water. A good pair of flip flops or water shoes will help guard against slipping on tiles as you approach the pool.

    Training Gear

    • While you may think kick boards and paddles are for little kids, they can significantly improve muscle tone in all age groups of beginning swimmers. A snorkeling tube can assist those learning how to breathe while swimming, and using fins can strengthen leg muscles. A foam swim noodle can help keep you afloat in deep water as you learn how to swim. Consider adding these items to your checklist before your start your swim lessons to help you master basic swim strokes.

    Floating Skills

    • Being able to float in the water is an important skill that swimmers should posses before taking lessons. Floating works as a survival skill to help exhausted or cramped swimmers in deep water. Practice floating in shallow water. Wade into waste-deep or chest-deep water. Tilt your head back until it touches the surface of the water as you simultaneously raise both legs into a "V" position. Position your arms in a "T" shape and relax your body. Your body should float close to the water, allowing you to relax and breathe through your mouth and nose.

    Treading Water Skills

    • Another skill to have on your checklist before you start swim lessons is treading water. Treading water can keep you afloat and allow you to receive air in rough conditions where the surface of the water is choppy and the floor is too deep to stand upon. Kick your legs as if your were running under water while stretching your arms out in downward pushing motion. Your hands should be open to catch as much water as possible to buoy yourself above water. Breathe regularly to help you float higher in the water.