How Can I Learn to Swim Without Water?

The process of learning to swim is progressive. Starting out slowly, concentrate on floating and kicking. The two primary swimming skills that you can practice in shallow water on your own or with a coach are floating and kicking. Even on dry land, you can practice this to get a feel for it.

1. Float backwards.

It is considerably simpler to float on one's back than it is on one's stomach because the human body is two-thirds water. Many people still find it difficult to feel at ease floating on their backs in the water, though. Relaxing is the first step to properly floating on your back. Your body weight cannot be supported by tense muscles, which would lead you to sink. Spread your arms and legs apart like a starfish while you lay on your back in the water. Your weight will be distributed more evenly as a result, which will facilitate floating. Keep in mind that the amounts of fat, bone, and muscle in your body directly correlate with your buoyancy. Different bodies naturally float at different levels in the water. It would be wise to practice on dry land if you are having problems with this before attempting to float in the water.

2.Try the backstroke.

The backstroke is performed while lying on your back and involves a flutter kick. Before you can graduate to more complex swimming skills, you must be able to maintain this horizontal body position. To maintain the most hydrodynamic position possible in the water and to produce power with your arms, concentrate on coordinating your hips and shoulders. Be sure to practice catching your breath on the side of your head that is not being reached with your arm above the water. To reduce drag and start the catch phase early, your hand should enter the water with the pinky first when it is pulled forward. By engaging the muscles of the High Catch Swim Chain sequentially, this set-up enables the swimmer to achieve a high catch.

3. Make a forward swing.

Since the front stroke propels the swimmer's body rather than their legs, it is a useful swimming stroke for beginners. For a balanced and efficient body position, the arm action should complement the leg action. The catch and power phase and the recovery phase are the two distinct parts of the arm stroke. The leading arm advances during the catch phase until it reaches the chest, at which point it pulls back against the water. When it reaches the shoulders, the trailing arm glides up the side of the body. You should tilt your head to the side and take deep breaths as you recuperate. Lateral breathing is the term for this. For short distances or sprinting, some swimmers choose to use explosive breathing; nevertheless, this technique can lead to lactic acid buildup in the muscles and is not advised for prolonged use.

4. Practice a sidestroke.

Similar to the freestyle stroke, the sidestroke involves floating on your back while executing flutter kicks. The arms "crawl" forward, which makes a difference. Straight up into the air, the first arm pushes the water back behind you as it descends. Every time you breathe in, you switch arms. The second arm goes sort of windmill-style up the side of your torso. Next, the lead arm "gives" an apple to the trailing arm in front of your chest. Your legs must scissor-kick to finish the stroke. Although the kick is slow, it saves energy. Additionally, it lowers your profile in the water, making it a useful swimming technique for both covert spies and potential Navy SEALs.

5. Attempt the breaststroke.

You can better control how your arms and legs move in the water by learning the breaststroke. For those looking to get better at freestyle and backstroke, this stroke is a wonderful option. These swimming strokes all help you maintain a close relationship with the water's surface while using similar muscle areas. When practicing the breaststroke, make sure to maintain a long, straight body line. This will increase your quickness and effectiveness. Additionally, when swimming, be sure to clinch your fists because this lessens frontal drag and helps you float through the water. Last but not least, practice your breaststroke in a secure setting. Never swim alone, and keep a phone handy so you may call for aid if necessary.