Learn to Swim
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1. Never swim alone
Always go swimming with at least one other person who is a good swimmer.
2. Don t start swimming in moving water
If you're learning to swim in a river, you'll need to be more aware of the motion of the water. If you must learn to swim this way, make sure you're with someone who knows what he or she is doing,
3. Stay within a depth you can handle
When you're learning how to swim, don't venture into water that's too deep for you to stand in. So, if something goes amiss, you can simply stand up and breathe.
4. Don t swim during inclement weather conditions
If you see and hear a storm approaching, get out of the water immediately but swimming in a light rain shower should be fine. This is a general rule to be followed regardless of how well you swim.
5. Never swim in too cold water
Moving your limbs to paddle can become suddenly difficult if you're in frigid water.
6. Get used to floating
When you're in the water, hold on to the side of the pool or a dock, and let your legs float out behind you - they should lift easily. Practice this on your stomach and on your back, until you're comfortable letting half of your body float.
7. Try floating on your back or your stomach as you re ready
Stay in a shallow depth so that you can simply stand up if it's not working out. It might feel weird to have water around your ears while your nose and mouth are in the air, but you'll get used to it. For extra stability, put out your arms at a right angle so that your body is in a "T" shape.
8. Don t panic
Always remember that you have a fallback if you're in an unmanageable depth or you simply can't move your limbs - floating on your back. Don't flail around or start breathing quickly if you can't swim, it is not advised; simply lie back as flat as you can, and let the water help you regain your composure.
9. Practice exhaling underwater
While you're in a shallow depth, take a deep breath and put your face underwater. Slowly exhale out your nose until you're out of breath, then come back up. This will prepare you for underwater breathing. If uncomfortable exhaling through your nose, you can wear a nose plug and exhale through your mouth.
10. Wear goggles
Wearing goggles will make you feel more comfortable while opening your eyes underwater, and also allow you to see more clearly. Find a pair with spongy circles around the eyes and dip them in the water, so that they'll stick to your skin. Tighten the strap around the back of your head so that the goggles fit.
