How to Float in Water in the Streamline Position

Floating in water is an important part of learning how to swim. Floating can save your life in a survival situation. If you are taking swimming lessons, make sure you learn how to float with your freestyle lessons. The streamline position helps you save energy while floating. Here are some valuable tips to help you learn to float in the streamline position.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Enter the pool and find a place where the water is waist high. Make sure the area of the pool you've chosen is not crowded with people; a crowded pool makes it difficult to relax. Relaxation is essential if you are taking freestyle swimming lessons. The waist high water helps you remember that you can stand up at anytime.

2. Take a deep breath and lower the upper portion of your body into the water, face down. Your eyes should be looking at the bottom of the pool; only your face should be submerged, not your head.

3. Stretch out the rest of your body in the water. Allow your legs and arms to be open and stretched to the side at first, this will give you a sense of balance in the pool. After you feel comfortable floating face down in the water, pull your legs together so there is no space between them. If you are taking swimming lessons, the instructor may place her arm under your abdomen for support until you feel comfortable.

4. Get used to the feeling of being face down in the water, with your legs together. When you are comfortable with that position, raise your arms above your head to get in the freestyle streamline position. One hand rests on top of the other, coming to a point like a spearhead. Picture in your mind the shape of a torpedo to understand the streamline position of floating.

5. Continue to practice the freestyle streamline position of floating; it can save your life when you are tired or need to rest while swimming.