Learning to Swim presented by Leslie Newman

1. Learning to Swim presented by Leslie Newman • A comprehensive guide to teaching,beginners how to swim.

2. Water Safety Confidence Buoyancy Gliding Propulsion Submerging and Diving Underwater Swimming Breath-control Jump Turning and Changing Direction An Overview

3. Water Safety • Reaching pole Every pool should have at least 2 reaching poles. This is an alloy or bamboo pole that is bound and padded at both ends. This device may also be used as a teaching aid.

4. Water Safety Ring-buoy and a heaving-line • 50 feet of a nylon fiber line. • This nylon line can also be attached to different floating devices. Torpedo Buoy • A life saving devise that’s bright in color, made of rubber, and is about three feet long.

5. Confidence Being comfortable in the water is a key concept if one wants to learn how to swim • Water temp. should be 30-32C • The learner must associate the water with an enjoyable experience • Mouth closed, eyes open, brain alert, body relaxed Relaxation is a vital aspect of learning to swim

6. Buoyancy • In order to feel at ease in the water one must learn to utilize his/her body’s natural tendency to float. • This can be done in groups or with the aid of floating devices. • Prone and supine float, with recovery, should be learned before moving on.

7. Gliding • Front gliding A. Squat lower to shoulder level in water. B. Medium breath, stretch arms forward along surface C. Push off with feet, dropping head on the surface D. Streamline glide, hold breath, stand up.

8. Gliding • Back Glide a. squat down to shoulder level b. medium breath, lean backwards c. streamline, arms by sides, hips and stomach up to water level, legs together d. hold breath to retain air in chest cavity for buoyancy e. stand up • Front and Back Underwater Flips with recovery, may be added at this time

9. Propulsion • Using the aid of floats, front and back glide with added leg-beat, then kick flutter kick, frog kick • Without aids from front glide. Permit natural instinctive action, concentrating only on arm movement, if legs kick naturally let them. Dog paddle, breast stroke, over-arm crawl

10. Propulsion • On back without aid of floating devise. From the back glide thinking of arms doing all the work. Allow legs to flutter instinctively • Movement with arm and leg action a. dog paddle with flutter kick b.breast-stroke with frog kick c. over-arm crawl with flutter kick d. elementary back stroke with frog kick and glide.

11. Submerging and Surface Diving • This can be developed through play activity a. go down to pick up colored objects b. handstands • This familiarizes the pupil with the underwater experience, orientation, and improves breath-control

12. Underwater Swimming • Easy, relaxed, natural propulsion. Streamline-glide and recovery stokes should be emphasized. • Work on a. alternate arm action with flutter kick b. slow breast-stroke, frog-kick and gliding pause

13. Breath-control • Emphasize inhaling of a medium breath before submerging, exhale before surfacing • Ensure maximal exhalation of CO2 without strain underwater, followed by sufficient O2 intake above water to supply increased demand by working muscles • Exhale underwater with nose and mouth • Inhale above water with a medium breath using just the mouth.

14. Jump • Stride with a forward lean, arms spread to prevent submerging • Vertical jump, spring outward with arms at sides, legs together, body streamlined vertically.

15. Turning and Changing Direction • This exercise can be taught after pupil can swim the width of the pool • Instruct and experiment with various methods a.returning to starting point without touching the bottom b.swim and touch, turn and return

16. Conclusion • We’ve now looked at some methods used to teach the beginning swimmer how to swim safely with confidence. • Remember safety and comfort are key. • Everyone learns at a different rate. Don’t rush the beginner.