Learn How to Float in Water in 5 Steps

Learning how to float in water is one of the most important things that new swimmers should know. This is one thing that can save your life. It may seem challenging at first, but once you know the right steps, it will be easy. Once you know how to float, you will be more comfortable. This is also an effective way to get rid of your fear of being in the water.

In this article, we’ll let you know how to float in water in five steps. It takes a little courage to get started, but once you master the basics, you are sure to have a good time.

Learn How to Float in Water in 5 Steps

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Float in Water

1. Head to the Shallow Part of the Pool

2. Stay Afloat while Breathing

3. Practice on the Deep End

4. Move Out of the Ladder

5. Jump In

Pro Tips

Conclusion

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Float in Water

Ready to get started? Take note of the tips mentioned below.

1. Head to the Shallow Part of the Pool

The first thing you need to do is to go to the shallow part of the pool and this is where you will get started. Once you are there, assume the initial floating position. Start by taking a deep breath. Tilt your head slightly and lift your feet off the ground. At this point, you will notice that you are already floating without exerting any effort. However, once you breathe out the air held in your lungs, you will start sinking.

2. Stay Afloat while Breathing

Breathing is one of the most important techniques you need to learn whether you are floating or swimming. Novices can struggle at first, but with practice, it won’t be long before you know the right way to breathe.

When you are breathing, use your arms and feet, which will help you to stay afloat. Make slow and consistent motions. Do not panic. Make sure as well that the movements are synchronized. If you do this wrong, you will be putting unnecessary stress on your body and this can result in painful feet and arms once you are out of the pool.

3. Practice on the Deep End

Now that you know how to float in the shallow part of the pool, it is time to move to the deep end. Start by being on the ladder of the pool in the deep part. Hold the ladder and start kicking while practicing right breathing. Slowly let go of the ladder while still kicking and breathing. Once you are comfortable, breathe out and sink. Stay close to the ladder so that you can easily reach it.

4. Move Out of the Ladder

Now is the time to go to the middle part of the pool and get out of the ladder. At this point, you will need a flotation device to help you prevent sinking. A half-liter bottle filled with air and closed with a cork can also do the trick. Hold the floating device with both hands and kick your feet. Eventually, let go of the floating device and kick your feet.

5. Jump In

After practicing the steps mentioned above, you are now ready to take it to the next level. Jump on the deep part of the pool. Make sure to do this properly so that you will land on the water without risk of an injury. Do not do this if you are not yet confident about your swimming skills. Swim to the bottom of the pool and let your body float. Once you are comfortable, go to the deeper part of the pool. Feel your body get into the top.

Pro Tips

Via: https://www.swimoutlet.com/guides/how-to-float-for-swimming

Now that you know the steps on how to float in water, take note of the tips mentioned below to make things easier.

• Do not do it alone, especially if you are just starting to learn how to swim. It is best to always have a spotter with you, especially someone who already knows how to swim and float.
• One of the most important things that you need to know is to relax. When you are relaxed, you have better control of your body. In contrast, when you are panicking, you will end up struggling. If you are tense, this will show in your breathing patterns. You will also lack coordination when moving your arms and your feet.
• Use your abdominal muscles. Your core strength will have an important role in lifting your lower body to the surface of the water. You must work on the strength of your abdomen because you will be using this a lot when you are swimming.
• When you are kicking, do this gently. If you do this with excessive pressure, you will easily get tired, your legs may end up painful after swimming, and there is a higher chance that you will end up sinking instead of floating. When you are kicking hard, it is also possible that you will gain forward momentum.
• Staying in the water with air in your lungs will also be an important thing to learn. As noted in the steps mentioned above, as soon as you breathe air out of your mouth, you will start sinking.
• Do not hesitate to use flotation devices to help you practice. There’s no reason to be ashamed of doing so! These swimming aids will make your life a lot easier. Pool noodles are amongst the best that you can use because they have better support than other flotation aids.
• The steps mentioned above are for floating in water while you are in a standing position and kicking. There is another way to float in water – at your back. This deserves a separate post. However, allow us to share a few tips before we end this guide. Allow your head to lead your body and keep your spine straight. Imagine that there is a rope pulling your belly button upward and use your core strength to help you float. Relax your toes and keep them pointed.  Stretch your arms just slightly above the head but make sure that it stays flat on the surface of the water.

Conclusion

Learning how to float in water may seem daunting at first, but it is easier than what you might have initially thought. Start practicing in the shallow part of the pool or near a ladder so that you can instantly grab the rails if you panic. A flotation device can also help in mastering the basics of floating. At the end of the day, the most important is to keep practicing and be brave!