Playing dead afloat is a way to feel comfortable in the water, to have fun relaxing your back without straining it in swimming. To float on your back you need to know how to position your head and body correctly. Not only is this a strategic trick to add to your swimming repertoire, but it is a very important safety technique if you are in a sea of water. If you want to learn how to float on the back and enjoy your water experience more, read on.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare to Float on the Back
Step 1. Try to feel comfortable in the water
To be able to float on your back without panic you should be calm and relaxed, even if you are not an experienced swimmer. You should learn how to float in the pool, not in the sea or lake where there can be waves. Ideally, you should be comfortable and able to swim from one end of the pool to the other unaided.
If you play dead afloat as a step to learning to swim, then you should take the right precautions and stay close to your instructor the entire time
Step 2. Find an Instructor
Don't try to float on your back alone the first time. Even if you know the fundamentals of swimming, not only will you need an instructor to stay on the back, but you will also need to make sure there is a rescue in case of need.
The instructor will place his hands under your back, letting you settle into the correct position until you feel like trying it for yourself
Step 3. Try to use a float
For example, use armrests or a life preserver to feel more comfortable in the water. If you have worked with the instructor but are not ready to let yourself go on your own yet, try to wear something that will keep you afloat until you are ready.
Step 4. Align the body with the surface of the water
Before starting to float on your back you will need to adjust your body in trim with the water: ideally it should be almost parallel to the surface of the water or to the bottom of the pool. You can also stand on your back and push your foot against the edge of the pool to slide over the water.
Once your body is aligned with the water and your back is relatively parallel, it will be easier to adjust the position
Method 2 of 3: Adjust the Head
Step 1. Immerse your ears
While you may feel uncomfortable at first, tilt your head back until your ears are completely underwater. If they stay out it means that you are stiffening your neck and therefore you will float less easily.
Step 2. Raise your chin
Once your ears are under, lift your chin. You can raise it slightly, just a couple of inches or more, so that it points towards the ceiling or sky. It will help you hold your head back, making your whole body more inclined to float.
Step 3. Make sure the water surface reaches mid-cheeks
By placing your ears under the water and lifting your chin, the stream of water will reach the middle of your cheeks. If you raise your chin a lot, it may even stay a little lower.
Step 4. Maintain center of gravity
Keep your head in the center so that it doesn't hang to one side or the other. In this way, the rest of the body will not lose its center of gravity.
Method 3 of 3: Fixing the Body
Step 1. Position your arms correctly
There are few ways to arrange your arms when you play dead afloat. If you are an inexperienced beginner, you can bend them starting at the elbows and tuck your palms under your head as if you were doing the abdominals, then tuck in the elbows and force the body to hold the position. Here are some other possible variations:
- If you have no problem staying in the water, you can raise them behind your head as if you want to dive, which will change your buoyancy by further balancing the weight of your legs.
- You can spread your arms outward or hold them a few inches from your body.
- Whatever you do, always make sure your palms are facing up.
Step 2. Arch your upper back slightly
In this way the body will be well projected upwards. It only takes a couple of centimeters.
Step 3. Lift your chest
By arching your back, raise your chest more so that it comes out of the water.
Step 4. Lift your stomach
You should also lift your stomach until the middle part cuts the surface of the water.
Step 5. Bend your knees
To spread your legs a little, just bend your knees. If you keep your legs completely straight you will tend to sink.
Step 6. Let your legs dangle
Once your knees are bent, let your legs dangle to either side, keeping some space in the center. The legs do not float naturally on the water. For most adults, the legs are heavier than the upper body, so they naturally tend to go down. This may be different for children who do not have developed muscles.
Step 7. If necessary, give some kicks
If you feel your body go down to the bottom, kick to keep yourself afloat. You can float on your back and kick kicks as soon as you feel your body sag, or give them continuously to prevent this from happening.
Step 8. Make small variations
As you continue to float on your back, listen to your body and see if it sinks. Continue with the football if you feel yourself going down at the bottom and gently move your arms and hands in the water if you happen to be with the top. You can also try to lift your chin or arch your back a little more to increase your float.
If you lose your position, align your body with the surface of the water. Learning to play dead afloat correctly takes time
Advice
- Also try to arch your back to find balance
- Don't tell your friends that you want to learn to float: instead think that you are already doing it so if a friend were to let you go, you would have no problem.
- Try to push your hips and keep them up.
- Learn to swim before trying to float. It will help you to have a better balance, giving you confidence in case you feel like you are going to the bottom.
Warnings
- Try to get into the water between meals.
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Attention!
Do not do these deep water exercises if you are still learning and if you are alone.
- Practice with an adult alongside.
- If this is your first time trying to float, get taught. Don't try it alone!
- Learn to swim underwater first, because you can go deep anyway, and practice in one meter of water if you are taller than 1.50.
