7 Swimming Rules That Will Save Your Life

Leaving dry land to enjoy life in a watery world can be great fun. For some however, the idea of being completely submerged terrifies them. If you lack the essential swimming skills, then this handy guide can provide you with some useful tips to stay safe in the water.

Let’s take a look at 7 swimming rules that will save your life.

1. Conquer your fear

There is only one way to comfortably get in the water and that is to overcome your fear. Start by entering water that is between 3 feet to 5 feet in depth. Take a deep breath, release yourself slowly and notice how it gently lifts you to the surface. After spending time in shallow water, you will start to lose your fear of being submerged.

2. Change your attitude

Most people who are afraid of water view it as a dangerous place to be avoided. It’s no wonder they are also not good swimmers. To deal with this fear, one excellent trick is to view the water as an interesting place to be explored. Try letting go and notice how the water floats you on the surface, relax and enjoy it.

3. Controlling your breathing

One of the most important parts about learning how to swim is knowing how to breathe correctly when in the water. Take a deep breath through your mouth when you are above water and breathe out through your nose when you submerge.

4. Using your feet

When swimming you will use your feet to propel yourself forward. It’s important to learn how to do it correctly through swimming exercises. One such exercise is to grab a swimming board while in the water and move your legs up and down. This is called the crawl kick.

A second exercise known as the breaststroke kick mimics how a frog swims. Grab the side of the pool or board and practice spreading your legs when moving them upwards. Then bend your knees and push forward.

5. Using your arms

While using the crawl method, put your arms alongside your torso and lift them over the water in a circular motion. Ensure one half of these circles includes your arms under the water. Paddle with your hands in sequence.

6. Treading the water

This is an important skill to learn. To do this while vertical, move the water under you with your feet just like you would in a breaststroke. Use your arms to make circular motions. This will help you float.

You can also bring your legs close together and make circular motions as though you were riding a bike.

7. Swimming under water

It’s now time to get under the water. Make an arrow shape with your hands together, stretched out and curve your body. Push yourself with your legs and in the direction you want to swim towards. Use the crawl or the breaststroke to propel yourself in the direction you want to go. You can even imitate a dolphin in the waves.

Ensure you are feeling healthy when you are swimming and don’t get in the water when you’ve taken any alcoholic drink.