Adult wants to learn how to swim without embarrassment

[Anonymous]

Hi all, I'm a 40-something adult whose spouse and kids love the water, but I've never learned how to swim properly. Starting in June, the family will be spending several days a week in the pool, and it's going to be awkward for me.

I tried when I was much younger, but sort of freaked out when water got up my nose, and have been slightly afraid of the water since. Is there any way I can learn how to swim without embarrassment if I start freaking out again? Like a discreet adult swim class somewhere in NoVA?

Thanks....

[Anonymous]

You can't learn to swim in a month, OP. You needed to start this much earlier. However, better late than never. And you have nothing to be embarrassed about. You should be proud of yourself for learning something you don't know. No coach is going to be like "Wow, you're such a LOSER for not knowing this - hey Sam, Rob - get a load of this pathetic POS who can't swim. Everyone! Look at OP - they can't swim AT ALL!"

I mean, that's the fear right? But they will be encouraging and proud of you for learning and trying. The embarrassment is all in your head - let it go.

[Anonymous]

I agree that you need to put the embarrassment aside. Think of it as teaching your kids a lesson that you can overcome anything even if it feels “too late”. Show them how you can persevere. Good luck!! Let us know how it goes.

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm not in NOVA so I can't recommend a class, but I'm sure you can find a nice adult class somewhere there as we have them here in the Midwest.

But my suggestion regarding the water up your nose, well it might sound a little weird, but I was someone who learned recently after avoiding the water for a long time. I hated the water up my nose too, but I also wear contacts or else I can't see anything.

I got a mask like this for my first time in the water:

https://www.amazon.com/EverSport-Goggles-Swimming-Silicone-Snorkel/dp/B0BQ9VKR15/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2SCP01K7KJZZT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PUYFfIagiBnkNNmF7SaAyaZgv0GtG5UR3RlHZ59sCdWN-ppS5eGtdunTvDKglPPttJ6zHHWVERmaFcrJ6Aepyq6lzgB_Avcmiij82I4mZAI9M3Y86zTeAsRbqQjMjwpvJby2ChmLndGYh1dJ3NpJ9cZ_goANbftvDzYUf-kwlrU6aEijjdC0i3t30UmvSAw3uLQLLPapvOemMWnbbrvgrfiwu05VN_wIPIrHczY_ws9T2oFQyEQIn5dXHvs8ZXC9dIiY_z_J7tTONttsojTUcwNP_e4v2SJya5_aL8nnTgs.3p9fyhPSBlDY3a3zrmqHJMPmkxeBmRmhh6FhbiKPy6A&dib_tag=se&keywords=swim%2Bgoggles%2Bwith%2Bnose%2Bcover%2Badult&qid=1714943589&sprefix=swim%2Bgoggles%2Bwith%2Bnose%2Bcover%2Badult%2Caps%2C269&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

After I was more comfortable in the water I transitioned to a more traditional mask.

[Anonymous]

Don’t be embarrassed. I taught swim lessons to adults when I was in college and it was a great experience as the instructor. Most adults were doing it so they could enjoy time with their kids.

If you are in Virginia- I know life time fitness does adult lessons and the different rec centers do too. I have heard the kids swim places like goldfish and big blue do lessons with adults. You might even be able to find someone to do private lessons through your community pool if that is an option.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

We take my kid to goldfish and I’ve never seen an adult swimmer there, so I don’t think they do that. That said, is there a Y near you? Or like PP said a county pool where you could pay someone for private swim lessons? There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We were just talking about the fact that our kid is just learning side breaths and we asked both sets of grandparents if they can swim with their face in the water…all 4 said no.

[Anonymous]

Montgomery County Recreation offers adult swim classes at all levels, you can take them as a non-resident. But I would try closer options first. Many places that have kid swim lessons will also have adult lessons.

Also - practice putting your head in the water in the bathtub at home if that's the part that freaks you out. You can acclimate yourself in your own bathtub and figure out how to keep the positive pressure in your nose.

[Anonymous]

You’re not alone in this. I think there are some of us who have a tougher time breathing in water, but I believe it’s possible for everyone to learn. I would try to call a rec center and do a couple private lessons. They may have someone who specializes in adult swim lessons. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

You aren't alone! I went to MIT and we all had to pass a swim test to graduate. Either you did it on day 1 or by graduation. I had lots of friends that couldn't swim. Private lessons at a pool is a great, private way to learn to swim. YMCA or the like will have them.

[Anonymous]

Arlington County offers adult swim lessons. A friend of mine took them and said it was an extremely supportive group of people. Everyone is in the same situation.

[Anonymous]

Do get lessons, because it's a great life skill to have. But if you're talking about going to a community pool, my whole family is there almost every day and I almost never get in. Too cold! When the kids were really little, off be in up to maybe my waist, but no swimming skills needed for that.

[Anonymous]

OP back. I guess I better get over myself and embrace this more openly. Ugh.... LOL

[Anonymous]

You can try your closest Rec center for a private lesson.

or if you're close to Pozez Jewish CC. It's more expensive.

https://thej.org/fitness-rec/aquatics-center-pool/private-semi-private-swim-lessons/

[Anonymous]

A swim school. Private lesson. Or private lesson from the YMCA or Community Rec Center

[Anonymous]

If you’re joining a summer pool, you should email and ask about a head lifeguard teaching you. Pools can get you in touch with their lifeguard company. At 8 pm the pool is quiet and it’s a great time for a lesson.