A Look at Why It is Never Too Late to Learn How to Swim

Baby boomers can still learn how to swim: It is never too late

Having grown up in northern Ontario, where outdoor living is at its best, in the summertime, I cannot imagine anyone not learning or wanting to learn how to swim. What a fantastic way to enjoy the summer! The cool, clear turquoise water in a lake or a river is a wonderful realm to explore, especially on a warm, sunny day. 

Unfortunately, many people do not feel the same way. Many have never had the opportunity to be outdoors to any great extent or to spend time where they can learn how to swim. Many baby boomers may be looking at semi-retirement or retirement, wondering what to do for fun and exercise. They may ask you these questions.

"Is it too late for me to learn how to swim?"

"Why should I learn how to swim?"

"How can I learn to swim at my age?"

It is never too late to learn how to swim, no matter how old you are.

Swimming is fun!

Swimming is a healthy form of exercise.

Swimming is relaxing.

Swimming is a good way to relieve stress.

Swimming will assist you to control your weight.

Swimming will improve your circulation.

Swimming will strengthen your muscles. 

Swimming is a good way to pass the time.

If you have not had the privilege of being able to learn how to swim, what better time in life is there than right now? Why not try something new and different?

Everyone has the innate ability to swim from infancy onward. It is not something that one has to be trained to do. It is more a matter of having the courage to try to swim, if one has never learned how.

Buoyancy in the water is a wonderful phenomenon to experience!

"I can float!"

"I can swim!"

Some people float and swim, much easier and better than others, but sometimes, it is just a matter of letting oneself go, when in the water.

Personally, I may not be able to swim miles or swim all day, but I can float indefinitely on my back. I love just floating, in the water!

What are some of the reasons that people do not swim?

Not everyone likes to get his or her face wet. Many people do not like the idea of swallowing water. Others are more concerned about getting suntans, than swimming. Sometimes, women and men do not want to have wet hair. How one looks in a bathing suit might be a concern, too. Maybe you know someone who does not like getting wet and hates getting cold.

Some people want to sit beside the water and are fearful of getting right into the water, for many different reasons. Maybe a person has had a parent who was afraid of the water. Perhaps someone has had a bad experience, as a child. Sometimes a person, who has been pushed in the water or has been held under the water by someone else, will not go into the water or near the water. Maybe someone they know has lost his or her life, through a drowning accident.

It is still possible to learn how to swim!

The most important thing to consider is the reality that regardless of one's reason for not wanting to swim, it is still possible to learn how to swim. Swimming comes as a natural instinct, even to an infant or a small child.

Feeling safe about being in the water and swimming is important. If a person comprehends why he or she is afraid of water or is reluctant to learn how to swim, that fear can be conquered. Sometimes therapy is indicated, but it is not always necessary.

Fear is something that we all live with, everyday. As a matter of fact, fear protects us to a great extent. We have innate fears that prevent us from doing things that could be potentially harmful. Swimming is not something that we need to fear, but we need to understand water safety.

Not everyone wants to be a long distance swimmer or a person who swims in competitions, but for everyone, swimming is good exercise. This includes those who have disabilities. Swimming is good therapy for a person who is stressed out because it is a healthy way to relax. Water can be comforting and soothing, particularly when it is warm. Even cool water can feel good, on a hot day.

Why should one learn to swim? The best answer to that question is because it is possible to do so, regardless of one's age or ability.

Even people who have heart problems can improve their circulation immensely by swimming. Those who have weak muscles for whatever reason, can strengthen them by swimming. Swimming is a good individual pastime. It is something that can be when alone or with others. A buddy system is always a good idea, especially for beginners.

If you have never learned how to swim, try taking a swimming class at a local recreation center or going into the water, playing in it with your children or your grandchildren. Find floating devices like rubber tubes, water wings or air mattresses and learn to use them properly.

Try holding your breath and dipping down under the water, first. Just out of curiosity, open your eyes and see what is in the water. This is fun at a lake where there is sand, small rocks or pebbles, plants and fish. Explore the water and you will marvel at what you can behold. It is like being in a giant aquarium. The fish will be as curious about you, as you are about them. You never know what kind of treasures you find at the bottom.

Don't just give up, if you find that you cannot swim, the first time you try. Stand in water about four feet deep. Hold your breath and let yourself fall forward into the water. When you fall forward or backwards, you will see how much buoyancy you have. You may find yourself floating or swimming a few strokes, before you know it. Move your arms and legs. Kick your feet and that movement will propel you forwards.

Don't worry about doing perfect strokes, while in the water. There are many different kinds of swimming strokes. These are skills that may or may not come to you naturally. Even professional swimmers have to learn them and practice them day after day, in order to get good at them. Learn about different swimming strokes and how they are used. Get others to show you simple, easy strokes. Try them. Try diving or just jumping into the water for fun.

Remember to confront your fear of water head on. Give yourself a new challenge, every day. Practice holding your breath, when you are under the water. See how long you can hold it. Do some exercises in the water and see how good your muscles feel afterwards.

Swimming comes naturally to some people, but not to everyone. Some people do have to work at it, but don't make it into work. It is fun to learn to swim, at any age. Teach others to do the same. 

Here are a couple of tips for beginners. 

Go into the water carefully the first time, as you do not want to traumatize yourself. Just splash around in the water, or sit in shallow water, until you get used to the temperature. Play, just like a child in the water. Then, venture out to where the water is a bit deeper. Let it come up to your chin. Keep your feet on the bottom, if you are still afraid. Face the shore or the edge of the pool and try to swim towards it. 

You may find that you have succeeded in learning to swim, without any effort. When you feel comfortable with your ability to swim, only then it is time to venture out further. Try swimming in a place where there are lifeguards, if you feel insecure about swimming. Tell them that you are afraid of the water and they may be able to help you. 

Be aware that there are always going to be others, who do not want to learn how to swim. Respect their wishes and desires. What you may find is that when they see you enjoying yourself in the water, it will become increasingly appealing to them. Take some time and teach them, too.

And remember, even if you are a baby boomer, it is never to late to learn how to swim! You can do it if you try!