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[quote=Anonymous]As others have said, the key is being comfortable in the water, relaxed, and understanding your natural buoyancy. I've helped several people at water fitness classes who didn't know how to swim just get more comfortable in the water. I would suggest doing this before trying swim lessons again.

Go to a quiet pool (no kids splashing around you) and walk along the edge to a depth around your armpits (or as deep as you are comfortable to start with). Then slowly sink down like you are going to sit in a chair until your chin is near the water. You can hold the edge if you want. Let your legs relax so that they are still touching the bottom but not supporting your weight. Then let go of the wall and relax your arms a little. Now you are ready to just putter and play a little. You can move your hands back and forth under the water to keep your balance and you can "walk" on your tip toes. Start with different positions and motions for your arms. You can keep the loose sitting position and pull with both arms in a breastroke. or you can tilt forward more (still legs loose near bottom) and doggie paddle to move around. There is no need to do anything that "looks like" swimming right away.

You can also start practicing kicking by holding the wall and flutter kicking. Once you are comfortable moving around while floating upright, then try using a kickboard to support your upper body and flutter kicking with it. If that feels too unstable, hold the kickboard close to your chest while floating mostly upright, tilt sideways a little and peddle your legs like you are riding a bicycle. Your upper leg will pull you around in a circle (it's fun!) You can work on all of this in water where you can stand up and touch so that you know you are in control. I wouldn't try formal swimming lessons until you are comfortable on your own first.[/quote]

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