Dis it possible for someone like me to learn how to swim?

Weightwatcher72
Weightwatcher72 Posts: 95 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
For a start I'm 41yrs, secondly I had my head held under water by my elder sister as a child and as a result have an immense fear of the water

I've been trying adult swimming lessons at my local pool, but still the stigma of getting in the water is there and holds me back, I'm stiff and rigid as a board once in the water as I'm convinced I'm going to sink and drown

I've only been going 4 weeks, but I feel like giving up :(

Replies

  • KayleighIsGoingFatToFit
    KayleighIsGoingFatToFit Posts: 203 Member
    Stick to it :)

    My nannie had a traumatic experience with water when she was little and she learnt how to swim in the last couple of years and she now loves it :) - she was 63 when she started.

    My husband also never learnt how to swim when he was little so he has been taking classes, he is 3 months in and it took ages for him to feel more confident but its working, he can swim and is a lot more confident. He used to be rigid and nervous when we go on holiday and go to the sea. I can't wait to go on holiday and swim with him in the sea and swimming pools :)
  • firststepformefal
    firststepformefal Posts: 180 Member
    Take some swimming lessons. My local pool has a special class for adults who are afraid of the water.
  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    YES, it is possible. You can do it!
  • joanna_82
    joanna_82 Posts: 151 Member
    Yes! I was afraid of putting my head under the water. In January I started going and sitting in the shallow kids pool and just practising putting my face and head under the water. It was awful to start but it got better. I then did adult swim lessons for 8 weeks.
    I now swim three times a week and absolutely love it. :-)
  • shabaity
    shabaity Posts: 792 Member
    Yes it'll get better it just takes time and desensitization mind my family's reaction to my near drowning was that it was time to start swimming lessons before I developed a phobia.
  • Weightwatcher72
    Weightwatcher72 Posts: 95 Member
    Many thanks you're all so kind thank you x

    I went in for my lesson today - I was so close to not going you wouldn't believe!

    I was told by my instructor I'm making steady progress, although I don't believe a word of it myself! Lol even one of the new students commented ' and I thought I was scared of the water until I saw you'
  • Snip8241
    Snip8241 Posts: 767 Member
    Relax and take your time. You can do it because you want to. Once you develope the techniques you will see that you can swim on your own.

    Swim instructors that work with adults are used to fear. It will be ok.

    Good for you. Swimming is a wonderful way to exercise. You will be soooo proud when you master it!

    Much luck to you.
  • plumsparkle
    plumsparkle Posts: 203 Member
    Many thanks you're all so kind thank you x

    I went in for my lesson today - I was so close to not going you wouldn't believe!

    I was told by my instructor I'm making steady progress, although I don't believe a word of it myself! Lol even one of the new students commented ' and I thought I was scared of the water until I saw you'


    Yay well done :flowerforyou:
    And if your instructor says you are making progress, believe her!
  • snowflake954
    snowflake954 Posts: 8,399 Member
    Do you want to? Then you can. First off, I would talk to the instructor or pick one that you like and tell them what happened to you. You shouldnot be starting like a regular beginner. You need someone to work with you, maybe one on one alittle to get you over your fear and get you relaxed. Then you can start learning. Starting out in the kiddie pool is a good idea, I see alot of adults at our pool doing that, with an instructor, and assume that they have strong water fears. I've been swimming for 19 yrs and love it. I'd like for you to love it too. By the way, I started swimming--with beginning lessons-- at 40, and I'm now 59. It's the best thing I ever did. Best of luck. :smile:
  • Kate7294
    Kate7294 Posts: 783 Member
    My Mom almost drowned when she was a teen. She took lessons in her 50's and even though she still doesn't care to swim, She can. Depends on how much you want it I guess.
    I also had an experience at a young age but still managed to learn.
  • 13bbird13
    13bbird13 Posts: 425 Member
    I never really "learned" to swim, and I had a similar issue with putting my head under. But I can still get great exercise in a pool by swimming on my back, and my face doesn't even get wet... usually I even keep my glasses on! If you don't already know how to float on your back, have your instructor show you... it's a great place to start, and once you get more comfortable in the water you'll find it easier to relax and learn. You can do laps on your back; it's a lot of fun.

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