Learning to Swim presented by Leslie Newman

A comprehensive guide to teaching,beginners how to swim.

An Overview

Water SafetyConfidenceBuoyancyGlidingPropulsionSubmerging and Diving

Underwater SwimmingBreath-controlJumpTurning and Changing Direction

Water Safety

Reaching poleEvery pool should have at least 2 reaching poles. This is an alloy or bamboo pole that is bound and padded at both ends. This device may also be used as a teaching aid.

Water Safety

Ring-buoy and a heaving-line50 feet of a nylon fiber line.This nylon line can also be attached to different floating devices.

Torpedo BuoyA life saving devise that’s bright in color, made of rubber, and is about three feet long.

Confidence

Being comfortable in the water is a key concept if one wants to learn how to swimWater temp. should be 30-32CThe learner must associate the water with an enjoyable experienceMouth closed, eyes open, brain alert, body relaxed

Relaxation is a vital aspect of learning to swim

Buoyancy

In order to feel at ease in the water one must learn to utilize his/her body’s natural tendency to float.This can be done in groups or with the aid of floating devices.Prone and supine float, with recovery, should be learned before moving on.

Gliding

Front glidingA. Squat lower to shoulder level in

water.B. Medium breath, stretch arms

forward along surfaceC. Push off with feet, dropping

head on the surfaceD. Streamline glide, hold breath,

stand up.

Gliding

Back Glidea. squat down to shoulder levelb. medium breath, lean backwardsc. streamline, arms by sides, hips and

stomach up to water level, legs togetherd. hold breath to retain air in chest

cavity for buoyancye. stand up

Front and Back Underwater Flips with recovery, may be added at this time

Propulsion

Using the aid of floats, front and back glide with added leg-beat, then kick flutter kick, frog kickWithout aids from front glide. Permit natural instinctive action, concentrating only on arm movement, if legs kick naturally let them. Dog paddle, breast stroke, over-arm crawl

Propulsion

On back without aid of floating devise. From the back glide thinking of arms doing all the work. Allow legs to flutter instinctivelyMovement with arm and leg actiona. dog paddle with flutter kickb.breast-stroke with frog kickc. over-arm crawl with flutter kickd. elementary back stroke with frog kick and glide.

Submerging and Surface Diving

This can be developed through play activitya. go down to pick up colored objectsb. handstandsThis familiarizes the pupil with the underwater experience, orientation, and improves breath-control

Underwater Swimming

Easy, relaxed, natural propulsion. Streamline-glide and recovery stokes should be emphasized.Work ona. alternate arm action with flutter kickb. slow breast-stroke, frog-kick and gliding pause

Breath-control

Emphasize inhaling of a medium breath before submerging, exhale before surfacingEnsure maximal exhalation of CO2 without strain underwater, followed by sufficient O2 intake above water to supply increased demand by working musclesExhale underwater with nose and mouthInhale above water with a medium breath using just the mouth.

Jump

Stride with a forward lean, arms spread to prevent submergingVertical jump, spring outward with arms at sides, legs together, body streamlined vertically.

Turning and Changing Direction

This exercise can be taught after pupil can swim the width of the poolInstruct and experiment with various methodsa.returning to starting point without touching the bottomb.swim and touch, turn and return

Conclusion

We’ve now looked at some methods used to teach the beginning swimmer how to swim safely with confidence. Remember safety and comfort are key.Everyone learns at a different rate. Don’t rush the beginner.