The Swim Teach Weekly 1–2–3

One teaching goal. Two ways to communicate it. Three phrases to try.

Hi there, Mark here. Hope all is well with you.

Welcome to this week’s Swim Better Weekly - one small change to make swimming easier.

The problem

You try to float, but your body feels as though it immediately starts to sink.

You may tense your muscles, move your arms and legs or fight to keep your face above the water. The harder you work, the less comfortable and balanced you feel.

Why it happens

The water naturally provides support, but tension and a cramped body shape can make it difficult to find your balance.

Floating is a skill that develops with calm, gradual practice. It isn’t a test of your ability or worth as a swimmer. For more on how to relax when swimming, click here.​

Try this in the pool

Practise a short, supported back float with a trusted adult, responsible friend or swimming teacher beside you.

1. Stand together in comfortable shallow water. Ask your helper to place one hand beneath your shoulders and the other beneath your upper back while you slowly lean backwards.
2. Let your ears enter the water, look upwards and allow your arms and legs to widen. Your helper should continue supporting you until you feel calm and balanced.
3. When you’re ready to stand, tuck your chin slightly, bring your knees towards your chest and let your helper guide your shoulders forwards until both feet are firmly on the pool floor.

Practise this for around 3 minutes using several short attempts. Agree on a word such as “stop” beforehand so your helper knows to return you to standing immediately.

A quick safety reminder: never swim or practise alone. Use a supervised pool and stay within a depth that feels safe for your current ability. If you’re nervous or unable to swim independently, practise with a qualified swimming teacher or another responsible person close by.

Watch out for…

Don’t lift your head to check whether you’re floating.

Lifting your head brings your chin towards your chest and can cause your hips and legs to drop. Keep looking upwards, let your ears remain in the water and allow your head to feel supported.

Remember

Rest your head and let the water help.

Want more help?

Floating becomes much easier when you learn how to relax, balance your body and build confidence one small step at a time.

The Complete Beginners Guide to Swimming contains gradual guidance and practical exercises to help you become comfortable floating and moving through the water.

See you next week,

Mark
Swim Teach

P.S. A short, relaxed float is more useful than a longer attempt spent fighting the water.