Learning to Swim as an adult Options

[ianporsche]

Hi I've realised that I'm well overdue for learning to swim (I'm 44) and for the first time this is something I actually want to do.

Is there anybody on here who learnt while thet were an Adult? I'm just wondering what the best way to go about it would be, to take lessons or just go to a pool with a friend? I had a look on the internet at pools around where I am (South Oxfordshire) and there seem to be a lot of lessons for children, but not so much for adults. As a child I was always quite scared in the water, but now I realise that I am missing so much not being able to swim.

Any thought would be greatly appreciated

Cheers

[Crotchetymum]

This is a brilliant thing to do! My mother learnt as an adult; she had one-to-one lessons and this way was able to choose times that were quiet in the pool as she was sensitive about being an older learner, and also she was able to build up a great relationship of trust with the person who was teaching her, which really helped her confidence. Best of luck (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[VH2]

Most community swimming pools will provide one-on-one lessons for adults, often at a time dedicated to adult beginners and improvers, when neither the general public nor children taking lessons are allowed in the pool. If your local pool does not advertise adult lessons, ask the staff. Lessons can still probably be arranged.

[DaisyChain]

Most community swimming pools will provide one-on-one lessons for adults, often at a time dedicated to adult beginners and improvers, when neither the general public nor children taking lessons are allowed in the pool. If your local pool does not advertise adult lessons, ask the staff. Lessons can still probably be arranged.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

My nephew has just qualified as a swimming instructor in E. Sussex. His pool runs adult only classes when the pool is shut to other swimmers. Your local borough council may know which pools have this service in your area. If not, as VH2 says, ring the pool directly and speak to the staff.

All the best, ianporsche, and well done for taking the plunge! (Sorry... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif) )

[Swell Box]

Hi Ian.

Firstly, I would choose a proper swimming pool, with a shallow and deep end, rather than a leisure centre with wave making machines and so forth. You can do without waves when you are first learning to swim!

Secondly, I am sure that lessons would help, but you might like to spend a couple of half-hour session in the pool getting just used to the feeling on your own or with family or friends. Ideally, choose a time when the pool is likely to be quiet.

I gather there is a small minority of people who genuinely cannot swim for one reason or another, but by far the majority can once they have developed the confidence to float on the water. The business of propelling yourself through the water comes next. (I seem to remember there was a school of thought that babies should be thrown into the water at three months or so, as at that age they will swim naturally, and will not have developed any fear of water.)

There are usually buoyancy aids around the pool which can be borrowed just to get your confidence up. As others have suggested, ask the pool staff about lessons. Most pools also have a notice board which gives details of swimming clubs and lessons.

Good luck, and most importantly, enjoy it! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

SB

[fsharpminor]

Im 65 and never learned to swim. My father never did (Hes 92 in a couiple of weeks), and when I was little the local pool alternated between males one day and females next to my mother, who did swim, couldnt take me.
I dont think I was ever scared of the water, but I hated getting it in my eyes.

[Czerny]

Try this: www.britishgasswimming.co.uk

[Tenor Viol]

Good luck. One secret is to relax - this will help you to float which is the first thing to learn to do.

[flobiano]

Hi I've realised that I'm well overdue for learning to swim (I'm 44) and for the first time this is something I actually want to do.

Is there anybody on here who learnt while thet were an Adult? I'm just wondering what the best way to go about it would be, to take lessons or just go to a pool with a friend? I had a look on the internet at pools around where I am (South Oxfordshire) and there seem to be a lot of lessons for children, but not so much for adults. As a child I was always quite scared in the water, but now I realise that I am missing so much not being able to swim.

Any thought would be greatly appreciated

Cheers

My Other Half learned to swim when in his late 30's. Had lessons at the local pool and thoroughly recommends having lessons. Good luck!

[Swell Box]

Good luck. One secret is to relax - this will help you to float which is the first thing to learn to do.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) I wanted to say that, but wasn't sure whether it would be good advice. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

F#minor's story about alternating days for men and women reminds me of an evening when I went for a swim in a pool at Alkmaar in the Netherlands.

I found the pool easily enough, and could see that it was open, but the main doors were closed. I was directed to a side door, paid four Guilders or whatever and went to change. The attendant was trying to tell me something, but my Dutch is nonexistent, and he evidently didn't speak English, but he seemed to be telling me to take off my Speedos. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif)

Anyhow, from what I could gather it turned out that it was an 'unclothed swimming session' for adults only, although I didn't get as far as the pool to find out. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif)

I tried to rationalise that nobody there would know me, but modesty got the better of me and I left without even getting my feet wet. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

That could only happen in Holland!

SB

[Halka]

Good luck. One secret is to relax - this will help you to float which is the first thing to learn to do.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) I wanted to say that, but wasn't sure whether it would be good advice. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

My daughter (16) is a much better swimmer than me, has swum since she was 4, used to train at a swimming club etc. but has always struggled, and still struggles, to float - in the sense of just lying on the water and doing nothing. So, whereas it seems to make sense to learn this first, I wonder...

By contrast, I treat water like a bed and could lie in/on it for hours - I think it's because I have a lower density (more fat (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) ) than her..

[Cyrilla]

This isn't any help to the OP, I'm afraid...but next week I'm going to find out if I can remember how to swim...long story, but I'm not living on campus for our Summer School next week. I found a B&B for ?35 a night - and my room has its own en-suite INDOOR SWIMMING POOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can hardly believe it. Amazing!

I don't think I've been in a swimming pool since I was about 14 - which was a *cough* while ago...but I've bought myself a cozzie...*holds nose and jumps*...

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy.gif)

[JudithJ]

... my room has its own en-suite INDOOR SWIMMING POOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ooo Mrs!



Another thing to remember, is not to worry if it takes a long time to learn. I look lessons as a child, and whilst I enjoyed lessons it took much longer for me than for others. I took the beginner's course at least twice. Then one day it just clicked and I swam three quarters of a mile.

[VH2]

My daughter (16) is a much better swimmer than me, has swum since she was 4, used to train at a swimming club etc. but has always struggled, and still struggles, to float - in the sense of just lying on the water and doing nothing. So, whereas it seems to make sense to learn this first, I wonder...

Sharks can't float !!
Sharks can swim.

[JudithJ]

Sharks can't float !!
Sharks can swim.

Perhaps we're using the word float in two different ways.

You don't need to be able to lie on top of the water without moving in order to be able to swim. However, you do (like a shark) need to be able to be in the water without sinking, and be able to maintain your limbs and torso in a sense of balance.