How to Learn to Float in Water

Learn to float on your back.

Buoyancy is the ability of your body to float when in water. This occurs because as your body mass presses downward into the water, the weight of the water presses back, causing your body to rise up and float. The deeper and the higher the salinity of the water, the easier it is to remain buoyant. When learning how to float, practice with a friend who knows how to swim so you can feel comfortable and safer in case of emergency.

Instructions

1. Practice in a swimming pool with a shallow area. Go to waist-deep water and lay flat on your back by pushing off with your feet. Tuck your head down, butt up, and keep the torso straight so that you are in a horizontal position.

2. Stretch your hands sideways and take a deep breath to fill your lungs with air. Filling the lungs with air increases your buoyancy while also allowing you to relax and release tension.

3. Stay in this position for about five seconds and then go back to standing position.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 4 until you can float comfortably. Gradually increase the time you spend floating and start practicing in deeper water as you become more confident.

References

• Relax and Swim: Buoyancy