Swimming is one of the most complete sports that exist, but it can also be a very useful tool in times of danger. Therefore, learning to swim sometimes becomes a necessity and it should be done as soon as possible.
The fear of water
The first step to learning to swim is to lose your fear of water and, at the same time, learn to respect it. Swimming teachers call this stage “adaptation to the environment” since it not only involves “getting rid” of fear but also learning to breathe, to hold on to the edges, and to become aware of the risks it represents. This stage can last a while and will depend on each person, regardless of age, although the sooner we start, the better.
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The idea is not to force anyone and respect everyone’s time. If we want to help a friend get rid of their fear, we must keep in mind that violently throwing them into the water or forcibly submerging their head will not help them. The scare will cause greater fear and it will be even more difficult for him to learn to swim.
When we get into the water
When we go into the water, we will do so in shallow places, so that it only covers a little above the waist. It is necessary to calm down and ensure that your breathing is rhythmic, without accelerating the pace and without retaining too much air in the lungs. This holding of breath easily generates fear, which is the first thing we should avoid.
We must prevent our hands and arms from remaining in the air. Once they have entered the water, they must enter it. This measure will be very effective for stability. If we are learning in a pool, we will hold on to the edge of the pool with both hands and slowly get the body to take a horizontal position.
If it is the beach or the river, we will rest our hands on the bottom (always very close to the shore, so that it does not cover us) to achieve a horizontal position. Little by little the body will be raised until the body floats.
Breathing when swimming
Once the horizontal position has been achieved, what we should be most concerned about is acquiring the habit of breathing and the necessary rhythm, a primary factor when starting the first strokes. You must turn your head to the right or left, depending on what is most comfortable for you, without rushing and without moving your shoulders much.
The air is absorbed through the mouth, seeking deeper inspiration. This inspiration is carried out when the mouth is placed at the highest point. Once the neck is turned, and to facilitate air penetration, the lower jaw is raised as much as possible, bringing the chin towards the surface of the water. Once the lungs have received a good amount of air, the head is shaken until it takes a position facing the water and with the face slightly raised, the air will be slowly expelled through the nose.
It is not difficult for the beginner to suffocate during the first few practices because he does not perform the swimming exercise correctly; if this happens, we will stop, stand up, and try to regain our breathing rhythm. Once achieved, we can continue. It is important to open your mouth correctly, which will avoid suffocation and the resulting fear since you should know that this is the first enemy of swimming.
