How To Get Swimming Lessons As An Adult

Swimming is a relatively simple activity. Millions of Americans swim every year at municipal pools, lakes, ponds and the ocean. Most of these people learned to swim as children -- usually under the age of 7. While frollicking children seem to enjoy the water without a care, a percentage of adults are unable to enjoy going into the water because they never learned to swim as children. Like many activities, swimming can be a difficult and fearful activity when attempting to learn it as an adult. However, it can be done.

Step 1

Go to your local YMCA and tell them you are looking for swimming lessons as an adult. You are not alone and they offer classes for adults who never learned to swim. These classes take into account that you have probably developed a fear of the water over the years and they take things one step at a time.

Step 2

Talk to a psychologist before you get in the water. You want to give yourself a chance to learn. A caring and compassionate individual is probably going to take on the role of adult swim teacher, but if you heart is beating so loudly in your chest that you can't hear his instructions you won't be able to follow his advice. Talking to a psychologist before hand can help you take the first steps toward getting over that fear.

Step 3

Go to a local municipal pool and see if you can arrange for private or semi-private lessons. You are not the only adult who wants to learn to swim. You are not the first person to seek a private lesson to learn to swim. Obviously, you don't want to be in a group with children. You may be able to engage someone on the swimming staff to help you learn how to swim.

Step 4

Seek out a pool that keeps its water at a very comfortable 92 degrees. Many individiuals don't like going in the water because it feels "cold." This may have prevented you from learning to swim in the first place. Many locations that encourage adults who are learning to swim keep the water warmer so it is easy to get used to.

Step 5

Look in your local newspaper in the "want ads" sections for swim instructors. Many swim instructors will advertise because they want to help individuals who want to learn to swim. Most of their students are children, but they also get a large percentage of adults who want to enjoy the water and get over their fears.

Tips and Warnings

Find the courage to get over your aquaphobia and enjoy the water.
You will do the work that allows you to learn to swim. However, you need help from a competent and understanding swim teacher because you are putting yourself in a potentially dangerous situation. Don't do it on your own or with an untrained and well-meaning friend.