How do swimming lessons progress as we get older? Essentially, the core approach to learning to swim or the technique used does not change between adults and children. “It is your motivation for learning and, crucially, the way you teach, which can differ to reflect the unique needs of adults,” says Brownlie.
“When it comes to technology, adults typically learn what they need, while children learn all the water skills during their journey – so this would be a difference in the way they are taught. It is also very important to know an adult’s ‘why’ to learn to swim so that teachers can adapt to their needs,” he adds.
After a break
“I didn’t really take swimming lessons as a child because my ears always bothered me and I wasn’t allowed in the water, but I first learned to swim around the age of 20,” begins Hayley Kellard, now 41.
“If I go away for a week, by the end of the week I’ll have just started building my confidence and being kind of like a swimmer, and then we’ll go home.
“I haven’t been swimming for about five years now. I know I must have forgotten because every time I go into a pool I always have to relearn and I can’t trust that I won’t sink.”
According to Swim England, there has been a net loss of around 450 swimming pools in England since 2010, so even those who can swim on holiday are finding it difficult to maintain their normal swimming habits at home.
The increasingly elitist nature of swimming also seems to continually resurface. “Over the past two years, the cost of running pools and the cost of swimming has increased due to rising energy prices and the cost of living crisis,” explains Euan Lowe, the CEO of Scottish Swimming.
Swim England has called on the Government for a long-term plan to help deliver the network of sustainable pools we need for the future of all swimmers – whatever their age, ability or confidence.
The benefits of diving in, regardless of your capabilities
“There are numerous physical, mental, emotional and social health benefits associated with swimming,” advises Prof Whyte. “The support of water makes swimming an effective activity option regardless of mobility and age.”
This ability to provide a full body workout that can help lower blood pressure and improve lung capacity, with the buoyancy of the water reducing pressure on weight-bearing joints, means it is suitable for the elderly, injured or People with Disabilities.
As for mental health benefits, regular swimming for 12 weeks has been shown to improve mood in people with dementia, as well as easing stress-induced depression and helping people with insomnia get some sleep.
“Additionally, the social aspect of swimming and the wide variety of engaging activities results in greater motivation and enjoyment, leading to more regular involvement in activities,” Whyte implores. In other words, you may fear the judgment of the fast lane, but find your tribe on the shallow side.
Four steps to dive in
1. Build your water confidence
“You can do this by moving in water that you can sit or stand in,” says Lowe. “Practice dipping your face in the water and blowing bubbles.”
2. Focus on your breathing
As you get used to the sensations of being in and around the water, stay calm by breathing deeply. It will help you further as you develop your skills.
3. Identify practical obstacles
Before you start the breaststroke, break down the arm movements and leg movements and practice in the shallow end or holding on to the side. Knowing the basics of water position and orientation can help you create a solid foundation on which to build.
4. Skills training
“Important skills to master first include learning to float and stand up from a horizontal float,” Lowe adds. “Then you can start swimming short distances towards the wall using buoyancy aids, and swimming away from the wall before getting into the pool.”