Older adult needs to learn how to swim -- instructors?

[Anonymous]

Hi. I'm in my 50s but can't swim. I feel like I could really use this exercise as a lot of other forms of strenuous exercise are no longer do-able for me. Are people aware of any swim instructors who would take adult non-swimmers? Thanks

[Anonymous]

Most YMCA gyms with pools also have adult swim classes, including for absolute beginners. Their instructors also may give private lessons/coaching. Also some local jurisdictions have adult beginner classes - DC does, but they fill up quickly. Look under Parks and rec for your area.

[Anonymous]

Arlington has private lessons but you kind of have to dig through the parks and Rec page to figure out how to register. Maybe other counties are the same.

[Anonymous]

I’d try the JCC or the Y. We joined the Y in Bethesda and really like it despite the drive.

DC pools also have small group adult classes, but they always seem full or unavailable. Supposedly some instructors give privates.

[Anonymous]

Montgomery County recreation offers beginner swim for adults and older teens (I think it's 14 and up.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi. I'm in my 50s but can't swim. I feel like I could really use this exercise as a lot of other forms of strenuous exercise are no longer do-able for me. Are people aware of any swim instructors who would take adult non-swimmers? Thanks

What suburb or county are you looking at for lessons?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Arlington has private lessons but you kind of have to dig through the parks and Rec page to figure out how to register. Maybe other counties are the same.

There are some private instructors too. Congratulations to the OP for trying this.

[Anonymous]

Go with a private instructor instead of a group instructor.

That's so great you're learning to swim! It's such a great feeling to swim and to find a new joy later in life. My later in life joy was having my own dog for the first time in my 50s.

[Anonymous]

If you have a Y near you, in my experience they offer pretty inexpensive individual lessons and they should be able to match you with someone who has experience teaching adults.

[Anonymous]

Pretty much any swim instructor who gives private lessons will teach adults. Good luck!

Please keep in mind that when you float on the top of the water, the bottom of your body does not lay on top of the water. The top of your body is at the top of the water. This was a huge revelation to me when I learned - I would feel the bottom of my body start to lower below the top of the water, be certain I was sinking, panic and stiffen up and then sink and flail.

[Anonymous]

If you can afford it, I echo the suggestion to start with a private instructor. You get so much more out of their time. But if you want a class, look at what your county offers.

[Anonymous]

Where do you find a private instructor?

[Anonymous]

https://www.theswimbox.com/

There's one near me, and once my kids leave for college, I'm signing up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.theswimbox.com/

There's one near me, and once my kids leave for college, I'm signing up.

I would do their tryout first. I did some lessons with them last year and found I really did not like the infinite pool. I did get some value out of my lessons, but on balance, I am still a pretty lousy distance swimmer.

I do think it would be a decent option for zero to swimming or beginner to “more skills” to get better. For me, I know I need more private lesson time in an actual pool.

[Anonymous]

I swim twice a week at a Fairfax Cnty rec center and I see instructors giving private swim lessons to an adukt all the time! It's great that you are interested OP. Just call and they will set you up with an instructor.