Embarrassed and nervous about inability to swim

[Anonymous]

I never learned how to swim and now that my young babies are getting older I've realized that I really have to learn otherwise I will be unable to take them to the beach or pool. I just feel so self conscious about this and I would love to hear from others who successfully learned to swim as an adult and how they did so. Also, this is probably a really stupid question but can I learn a basic swimming technique without actually having to go fully under the water(which scares me).

[Anonymous]

Yes, you can learn to swim without putting your head under the water, but for water safety you really need to learn to be able to do this if needed.

Of course you can take lessons. Depending on your desire you could either get group or private lessons. Private might be better to get you started.

Lots of people can't swim. Don't be ashamed or embarrassed! Just think how empowered you will feel when you learn.

[Anonymous]

I think if you find a good class, they can really help you get over the fear of putting your head under the water.

Don't be embarrassed. If I saw you, I'd be proud of you.

[Anonymous]

My mom didn't know how to swim either. She went back to college when I entered kindergarten and swimming was a requirement for graduation. So at age 35 she enrolled in beginning swimming. She didn't fall in love with swimming, but she does snorkel and scuba dive now. And she knew that she could help her kids in a bad situation.

[Anonymous]

There are classes for adult beginners. Take one because everybody should know how to swim or at least tred water. To keep your children safe, insist, that they wear a life vest when they are on a boat, at a pool, or at the beach, until they learn to swim and are certified by Red Cross. I have a swimming pool and every child who visits is required, by my law, to wear left vest unless I have read a copy of certification. If parents don't like it, tough. For big pool parties, I always hire a RC certified life guard.

Never swim alone.

[Anonymous]

Before we had kids, I took two adult beginner swim classes with my husband--he never learned how to swim as a kid. The classes had students with a range of ability levels/fear, and the instructor each time was very good about working with the different students and their abilities. It definitely improved his confidence, and helped him figure out which strokes he feels most comfortable with. I highly recommend taking a class, and if you need to take along a friend--even though I'm a fairly competent swimmer, the classes helped me improve my form--and I was of course very glad to support my hubby.

[Anonymous]

OP here--thank you for the responses. I think I will start with private swim lessons and see how they go. I am getting nervous just envisioning it but I know this is something I have to do. 12:37--he story about your mom gives me hope. I am 32 and feel soo old for a beginners swim class.

[Anonymous]

OP, there are lots of adults who just never got around to learning to ride a bike or swim.

If you want to get used to going under water, practice in the bathtub. You can wear goggles and put earplugs in your ears or wear a swim cap so you don't have the feel of water going in your ears, and you can plug your nose if that's what scares you. But the more you can overcome your fear of putting your face/head in the water on your own, the better you will feel at swim lessons.

[Anonymous]

OP you need to talk with some one--maybe a hypnotherapist or a therapist to get a handle on what could be causing such a deep fear of open water and swimming all the way up into adulthood. Just saying, you'll pass on your fear of the water to your child if you don't deal with the psychological issues first before you even take a lesson. Good luck, I am cheering for you--from the deep end.

[Anonymous]

Take some lessons through whatever county where you live. There's no shame in this. Not everyone grew up in a situation where they had pools, etc. for swimming.

I am a decent swimmer - got through lessons up to junior lifeguarding - but i personally don't like opening my eyes underwater, and I rarely put my head in. it's not fear, I just have sensitive eyes and hate getting chlorine in them. I play in the pool with my daughter all the time and usually don't put my head under unless i'm demonstrating how to do it.

[Anonymous]

I take my kids to Kids First in Rockville - they work with adults who never learned to swim and are very gentle and will work at your pace. It's an indoor, heated pool.

[Anonymous]

I am a former swim instructor. Any good swim instructor will help you get over (or at least manage) your fear of going under the water. Its important to address that, since many drownings occur when the swimmer panics (this can happen to experienced swimmers too, so you aren't alone!)

Good luck! And good for you for taking this step! But don't forget to enroll your kids in lessons as well.

[Anonymous]

another vote for lessons! I have a friend who learned how to swim in his late 20s. Evidently you two aren't the only ones, because he said the class was packed - with a waiting list (this was a few years ago, but still). THe instructor was evidently great - understood that just because they weren't little they still needed to get used to the face in the water, etc. He's not a terrific swimmer, but can now paddle along with his kids just fine.

Besides, now you can really relate to your kids while they learn too (I was lucky enough to grow up near a lake, & I don't remember not knowing how to swim. I'm a little worried I won't understand DS's concerns about it when the time comes.)

[Anonymous]

Good for you OP. If you don't learn, you will miss out on lots of great times with your kids. I can swim, but never liked it once I grew up. But ever since the kids came along, I've been spending almost every summer day at the pool, in the water with them because they love it so much and I love being part of their fun. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Another vote for private swim lessons! I'm a former competitive swimmer and I've seen (older than you) adults taking small group lessons and private lessons when I take my own kid for her swim class. I think nothing of it other than "you go on with yourself, lady!"