Discovering the Freedom of Water

Although adults often bring long held fears with them to the pool, their achievements are some of the most astounding simply because of this. It is hard to overcome years of built up fear. But it can be done. It is done. And participating in this achievement, this growth, is terribly rewarding for a teacher. Below please find an article by Melina Slotnick titled "Adult Swimming Lessons: Discovering the Freedom of Water" that honors Physique's approach to teaching adult beginner classes..

Learn Their Story

During an adult's first lesson, take the time to get to know your swimmer before rushing into instruction and techniques. Students often come with luggage, weighing down their potential for success. If you don't take the time to know who they are, you may never get the opportunity to help them discover their freedom in the water. If is your responsibility to help unpack their luggage carefully. Ask them about their water history. "What was your motivation to learn to swim now?" "What's your story?" Share a story of your own experiences and honor them for the effort they made in just signing up for lessons. Recognize their frustration and offer them understanding your willingness to help them learn.

Establish Base of Trust and Respect

An adult non-swimmer has struggled with the embarrassment of not knowing how to swim their whole life. They have missed swim parties, water sports, pool time or safety and have arrived, with anxiety packed neatly in their bag. As their teacher, they do not know to ask. Offer them your constant watchful eye, and keep their safety your utmost concern. Encourage them to try but grant them 'permission' to step back and move at a slower pace. This is their lesson, you are simply guiding them.

Free Them From the Pressure to Perform

For an adult non-swimmer, water is intimidating and their natural inclination is to fight their way through it, or apply too much strength. They often set unrealistic or strict goals, unfortunately making the learning of a task more 'mission oriented' rather than a joyful discovery of how water provides us freedom. Helping them respect the simple fundamental tasks is the most important lesson of freedom.

Give Them Tools to Succeed

Play with the simplest of steps. The basic principals of balance, breathing, body position, relaxing, falling to a flat and feeling the water work with the body rather than against it is your biggest gift to a new swimmer. Be patient and find ways to connect with the person individually. You are making a difference in their life: you are providing them the opportunity to master fear.

Guide the Way

It is okay to challenge your new student with new skills. Explain the importance of what they are doing, and give them time to experiment and explore. What we swimmers love about the water is not the ability to swim from one end of the pool to another, but the freedom water gives us. The freedom to leave it all behind, to come to the pool with no luggage, no worries, no fears. We come to have fun. As a teacher...share your love of the water.