| In order to be an effective swimmer you must | | | | they can release you. |
| first learn to relax in the water. You need to feel | | | | - After you feel comfortable releasing the noodle, |
| comfortable in the water so you are able to | | | | slowly work up to floating independently. At this |
| breath. If you cannot breath, than how are you | | | | point you should be able to float on your stomach |
| going to swim? You need to feel how you body | | | | with your face down in the water for a count of |
| moves and release the tension that it has built up. | | | | ten. |
| Tension will prevent you from floating and | | | | If at this point you are still nervous about floating |
| propelling your body correctly. In order to swim | | | | in the water than you may want to try floating in |
| well you need to be able to conserve energy well, | | | | the fetal position. All you have to do in order to |
| and this means keeping a smooth comfortable | | | | do this is take a deep breath, place your face |
| swim while relaxing. | | | | down in the water, and pull your knees up toward |
| If you are new to swimming than one of the | | | | your chest. If you have done this correctly you |
| things that you should do first before you begin | | | | will notice that you are floating. Your back will rise |
| to work on form is to get comfortable in the | | | | to the surface. Hold this position for a count of |
| water. Spend 20 minutes in the water just | | | | ten seconds and than release. This is a quick and |
| relaxing to build your confidence level. If you are | | | | easy way to begin feeling safe in the water and |
| like many people, than you may have a fear or | | | | build confidence. |
| water. If you do have a fear of water, than try | | | | These strategies are ways to help you feel safer |
| the following: | | | | in the water in order to begin to swim. This is not |
| - Use a foam noodle to hold on to in front of you | | | | a quick fix; sometimes it will take time to feel |
| or you may want to tie it around your waist for | | | | confident enough in order to actually begin |
| buoyancy (the ability of something to float). | | | | working on technique, which is the most important |
| - Once you feel comfortable in the water, | | | | thing in swimming. Just give yourself time and |
| gradually release the noodle. If you do not have a | | | | stick with it. You will improve with time and |
| noodle available, you may want to ask a friend | | | | practice from a certified instructor. |
| for assistance. Once you feel comfortable enough | | | | |