How to Swim

Swimming is a physically demanding sport.

Swimming is one of the most important survival skills you can possess if you live in an environment with a lot of water or if you work a job that requires you to be around water. It is also an excellent source of cardiovascular exercise. Although many mammals have the instinctual knowledge necessary to swim, humans have to be taught. There are several strokes involved in swimming, but the basic forward stroke is easiest to use for beginning swimmers.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Swim trunks
• Life preserver jacket

1. Lean forward into the water, pushing off with your feet to propel you. Reach out with your arms.

2. Bring one arm forward and pull it back toward you in the water. Keep the arm relatively close to your body. As the arm pulls, move your other arm forward and repeat the process. Your arms should alternate pushing the water; this pulls you forward.

3. Allow your legs to maintain a natural extension; don't lock your knees or bend them. Kick in rhythm with your arms. When your right arm is in the water, kick with your right leg and vice versa.

4. Keep your head turned 45 degrees to one side. As you lift the arm on that side, turn your head fully to take a breath. Don't lift your head directly; this will lean your body backward and halt your forward motion.

5. Use slow, even strokes, focusing on rhythm more than power or speed. Keep your arms in contact with the water as much as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a lifeguard nearby to rescue you if necessary. Start in a pool rather than a lake or river or ocean. Never go swimming in an area you don't know.

References

• Los Angeles Community College: Swimming Strokes

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish