Teaching an adult to swim can be a challenging but very rewarding challenge. First ask your pupil why he has decided to learn now, if he is afraid of water and explain to him what progress he can expect. Start the lessons by helping him to settle in the water, get his face wet and learn to float. Afterward, teach him some of the basic styles, with precise, concise instructions and positive comments. Your students will be able to swim unsupervised in no time!
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Prepare the Lesson
Step 1. Ask your student why he or she has decided to learn now
Some people want to know how to swim for safety reasons. Others want to learn so they can get the kids to the pool. Still others try to overcome the fear they had since childhood. Knowing the motivation behind your learners can help you decide how to set up your lessons and which skills to focus on.
- For example, if your pupil wants to learn to swim to accompany the children in the pool, you should spend more time learning freestyle, which allows you to reach those who need help in the water faster.
- Helping your pupil swim correctly in that style can give him the impression that he is reaching his goals more quickly.
Step 2. Assess his current skill level
Ask your student if they have any previous experience with swimming. If he has already taken classes, ask him to demonstrate the skills he has.
Ask him what makes him uncomfortable and what fundamentals he feels most secure in, so you can help him in the best way possible without undermining his confidence
Step 3. Create a program based on achieving specific goals
Establish the milestones your learner hopes to achieve and develop a sensible plan for achieving them. Agree on the frequency of weekly classes, tell him if he should swim alone to practice, and set deadlines for the most important progress.
For example, it may be helpful to plan with your pupil the goal of being able to complete a pool unaided by a certain date
Part 2 of 4: Overcoming the Fear of Water or Drowning
Step 1. Talk about swimming fears
It is likely that the reason your pupil hasn't learned to swim so far is the fear of water or drowning. In this case, it is important that you are aware of the problem so that you can set up the lessons differently.
For example, you could spend more time helping him get used to being in the water or getting his face wet
Step 2. Establish a relationship of trust out of the water
If a person is afraid of water, he often hears it said that there is nothing to fear. Since has fear, simply telling him not to be afraid will make you lose credibility in his eyes. Gaining his confidence out of the water, where the learner feels safest, can help him believe you and feel safer when following your instructions in the water.
- Begin classes outside the pool, teaching him how to properly stretch before entering the water.
- Be sure to give him breaks if he seems too nervous or anxious.
Step 3. Order your pupil to enter the water up to the ankles
Ask him to take a few steps to the lower side of the pool and stand there. He can walk, jump or stand still, depending on his preferences. Leave it in the water as long as you like.
- Alternatively, you can have him sit by the pool and ask him to swing his legs in the water.
- Once he feels comfortable, ask him to lean forward and splash the water in his face. Most of your body will still be out of the water, but getting your face wet can be very helpful in overcoming fear.
- Children who learn to swim need more supervision at this stage. If your pupil is an adult, give him the freedom to move as he pleases and to do whatever does not make him uncomfortable.
Step 4. Focus on buoyancy of the head
Many adults who cannot swim have a mild fear of water which has led them not to learn as a child. Try to make your pupil understand that his head is floating in the water, as this will greatly relieve his distress.
- Place your hand a few inches below the pupil's head in the water and ask him to approach without pushing, but simply letting his head sink. He will realize that it is impossible.
- Some adults may find it helpful to learn the laws of physics that govern buoyancy. Often, they find solace in knowledge.
Step 5. Ask your pupil to wet their face
One of the first things adult swimmers need to learn is to get used to keeping their face in the water. When they succeed, the rest becomes much easier.
Ask him to sing in the water. In this way he will expel the air and will know the sensation of emitting bubbles with his face under water
Step 6. Teach him to submerge his head underwater
Ask your pupil to hold his breath, then slowly lower his head, so as to bring his mouth underwater; the level should be between the mouth and the nose. Remind him that he can breathe through his nose even if his mouth is submerged. Ask him to hold the position for a few seconds while he gets used to breathing through his nose.
As he becomes familiar with this exercise, ask him to hold his nose and lower his head even more, a few inches at a time. Eventually, he will be able to completely submerge his head
Part 3 of 4: Giving Instructions
Step 1. Be concise
Your instructions should be short and direct. Do not overload learners with too much information as they focus on the movements to be done.
- Instead of giving the student a multitude of things to consider, try to suggest a few details at a time.
- Try saying "Great! Now let's focus on pushing hard on the edge of the pool and using your legs".
Step 2. Start with the back
Start with the easiest style to learn. This style is mainly based on the natural buoyancy of the body and does not require many complex movements that need to be perfected with practice. Once the adult student has learned to float on his back, you can start teaching him to move his legs and arms.
- Ask your student to rest their head on the poolside while floating on their back, then order them to move their legs up and down. This is a great way to learn movement.
- Once he has mastered the movement, he can try to use his legs to get away from the edge.
- Finally, teach him to move his arms straight behind his head and into the water to complete the backstroke style.
Step 3. Teach your student freestyle
This is one of the most common styles, so it's a great starting point for beginner adults. Once your pupil has mastered the kick by sticking to the poolside, teach him the correct breathing techniques. Ask him to put his face in the water, turn his head to the right and inhale, return his face to the water and exhale, then turn his head to the left and inhale. Have him practice this movement until he learns it perfectly.
Next, ask him to add arm movements, teaching your pupil to accompany the kick by alternately bringing one arm in front of the head in the water. Once he has mastered the technique, you can teach him to synchronize his breathing with the movement of his arms
Step 4. Teach him other basic styles
You should demonstrate the techniques firsthand, so that your pupil has a point of reference. Show him simple styles, like breaststroke, butterfly, and side swim.
- The more comfortable you feel in performing the techniques, the safer you will be in the water.
- Adults appreciate the structure and technique. Learning the standard methods of swimming will help them feel more confident and fulfilled.
Part 4 of 4: Involving an Adult Learner
Step 1. Talk to him like an adult
It often happens that you use the same methods you use for children in adult lessons. However, remember that the latter often already feel anxious or uncomfortable. The last thing they need is to be treated as children.
- Praise your student when he deserves it, kindly explaining how he can improve and always addressing him in a respectful and thoughtful way.
- Give him time to understand, ask questions, and learn at his own pace.
Step 2. Adapt your teaching style
All students learn and react to teaching styles differently. Observe your pupils and see how they learn best. Then, tailor the lessons to each of them.
For example, some learn by watching other people perform the technical gesture, while others learn by acting firsthand and asking for advice
Step 3. Maintain a positive attitude
Don't focus on the swimmer's mistakes. Rather, encourage him by telling him what he is doing right and giving him advice for improvement.
