Skills you’ll learn in a beginner swimming course – from water confidence to your first strokes
In a beginner’s swimming course, participants learn water confidence, floating techniques, and basic swimming strokes. The goal is to build comfort, relaxation, and foundational swimming skills that pave the way for independent swimming.
1
Getting acquainted with water and submersion
Instruction progresses at the individual’s own pace. Activities include standing and walking in water, gradually submerging by squatting, and eventually immersing fully while holding breath, opening eyes, and exhaling underwater.
These exercises are repeated until water confidence is achieved, meaning there’s no rush to surface and breath-holding becomes as comfortable as on land.
Following this, we move on to floating exercises.
2
Front floating
In front floating, we seek relaxation and adapt to the idea that the head is always deeper underwater than the legs. This body position applies to all main swimming styles.
Mastering floating is essential before starting to swim, as it also allows for resting during swimming.
3
Back floating
Back floating enables continuous breathing and is an effective way to rest muscles during swimming.
The aim is to tilt the head back so that only the mouth and eyes are above water, while fully extending the hips. This teaches a streamlined position beneficial for backstroke and the elementary backstroke.
Proficiency in back floating is crucial to prevent panic in situations like swimming far from shore when fatigue sets in.
We practice back floating before progressing to elementary backstroke.
4
Gliding
Gliding is the first step toward swimming, helping individuals understand how body position affects water resistance.
For front gliding, the head is placed relaxed between the arms, chin tucked, and arms extended forward. Pushing off from the pool wall initiates the glide. Initially, a kickboard can be used for assistance.
In back gliding, arms are at the sides, eyes looking upward, and the push-off leads to a horizontal glide.
5
Dog paddle with face in water
Dog paddle is the first swimming style that can be performed without aids, allowing learners to realize they can swim.
Traditionally, the head is kept above water, but this can be energy-consuming and cause the legs to sink. It’s more efficient to perform dog paddle with the face in the water, keeping the neck relaxed and body streamlined. The head is lifted only for breathing, and arm movements are directed straight back for optimal propulsion.
6
Modified crawl stroke
An improved technique is the modified crawl stroke, similar to the above but with breathing to the side, as in proper crawl stroke.
Maintaining a relaxed head position with eyes looking downward is important.
7
Congratulations! Beginner’s swimming course completed!
After completing these steps, the participant is ready to swim independently in pools and natural waters. The next natural step is a technique course to learn more efficient and economical swimming styles, enhancing the enjoyment of the activity.
Book your own lesson
Book a private session or gather your own small group and start your journey toward confident and relaxed swimming skills.
Prices from €25 / person / hour.