The "puppy" style is a fun way to move quickly in the pool without dipping your head; it is also a perfect technique for beginners who want to learn to swim. You can proceed with or without a life jacket.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Swim to Doggie
Step 1. Get used to the water
Enter the pool on the shallow side and walk into the water. Spend a few minutes playing with water and getting used to it; if you are nervous, bubble the water to relax. Inhale deeply, bend your legs until your face is below the surface and close your eyes; exhale slowly by blowing into the water. This technique helps to calm down.
- Don't start swimming until you are calm; if you do it under stress, you risk hurting yourself or drowning.
- Try opening your eyes underwater while blowing bubbles; is another useful way to calm yourself down.
Step 2. Get into the right position
Stretch your arms out in front of you keeping your head above the water; let your legs float softly behind you. You can keep your feet flat on the bottom until you are ready to swim; remember to breathe deeply and relax.
- Do not lie down completely and do not assume a perfectly horizontal position; try to find one that allows the body to float almost completely.
- Proceed in shallow water; in case of need you can place your feet to breathe or float to rest.
Step 3. Practice the movement of the arms
Cupped your hands with your fingers close to each other and your palms slightly curved; bring your arms forward in an alternating motion and pull the water towards you as if you were rowing. You should notice that the body moves forward a little with each movement of the arms; continue in this way until you are comfortable with the technique.
- Some people prefer to push the water down rather than in their own direction.
- Hands should always remain underwater.
Step 4. Use your legs
They should float behind your shoulders as you move your arms forward. Coordinate the stroke with an alternating movement of the feet; you can take advantage of the breaststroke kick or "pedal" in the water. Try different methods and choose the one you prefer.
- Breath deeply; keep your head above the water for easy breathing.
- If you can't swim or breathe, stand up and take a break
Step 5. Modify the technique as needed
If your neck is sore, lower your head towards the water. Lift your face when you want to inhale and exhale when underwater; always keep calm.
- If you have great difficulty keeping your head above the surface, you need to move your hands with more force.
- If you are getting excessively tired, you can stand up or take a break by floating on your back to breathe.
Step 6. Correct style problems
If you find it difficult to stay on the surface, it means you need to kick harder. The movement of the legs allows you to float, but only if you do it with the right vigor; similarly, if you find yourself moving too slowly, "row" harder.
- If you are pulling the water towards you, try pushing it down instead; you don't get the same speed, but you float better.
- If you have problems with the "pedal" movement, you can use the breaststroke kick and vice versa.
Part 2 of 3: Floating in the Water
Step 1. Learn to float
This is a "life saving" technique that helps you catch your breath. When swimming in deep water, you don't always have the option of placing your feet on something or grabbing an object to rest; Also, the puppy technique is perfect for beginners, but can drain your strength quickly. Learn to float to minimize the risk of drowning.
Practice in the shallowest part of the pool; that way, if you have trouble staying on the surface, you can stand up and catch your breath
Step 2. Relax your body
You cannot float when the muscles are contracted; lie on your back, spread your arms and legs outward and flatten your body on the surface. Relax your neck and let your head enter the water; But make sure your face isn't submerged.
- If you are afraid of water getting into your ears, wear a waterproof swimming cap.
- If you can't relax, close your eyes while floating.
Step 3. Improve your buoyancy
First take a deep breath; filling your lungs with air you float above the surface. If your legs tend to sink too far, extend your arms above your head while holding them in the water; if the problem doesn't go away, kick it slightly.
- If you have trouble exhaling, kick lightly to improve buoyancy until the next inhalation.
- Don't use your hands like an oar; spread your arms and let them float.
Step 4. Float prone
Most people prefer the back position to breathe freely; however, if you prefer to sit on your stomach, the technique is very similar. Inhale deeply and hold your breath; immerse your face in the water and spread your arms and legs as if you were a starfish. When you need to breathe again, you can stop floating or gently roll over onto your back.
- Push your chest into the water to keep your legs on the surface.
- If you're having trouble, kick gently.
Part 3 of 3: Swim Safely
Step 1. Stay calm
If you panic while swimming, you run the risk of drowning; focus on your breathing and technique. If you are in the deep part of the pool, move calmly to the shallow water; if you are swimming in a larger body of water, look for something to grab or put your feet on.
- If you need help calming down, float on your back and focus on taking a deep breath.
- When you are in a panic, you are short of breath and may not be able to stay afloat.
Step 2. Put on a life jacket
If you are not a skilled swimmer, you can wear this accessory, especially if you are bathing in large bodies of water. Usually, people who can't swim well and are in the pool may stay close to the edge, but may have trouble getting to the shore of a lake or sea instead. Luckily, you can swim properly as a doggie even with a vest.
- If you don't want to wear it but still want to protect your safety, opt for a float to attach to your belt; it is a small device that you can tie around your waist and that floats behind you as you swim.
- If in doubt, have the children wear a life jacket; remember that it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Step 3. Swim responsibly
Never enter the water alone; if you have a water panic attack or trouble floating, a friend can help you. Attend pools where there is a lifeguard, who is specifically trained to intervene in case of drowning and to provide first aid.
- Keep a cell phone handy in case you need to call emergency services.
- Always respect the rules and regulations of the pool.
Advice
- Remember to keep your hands underwater (or at least close to the surface).
- By pushing your hands down with more force you can float better.
- Keep your legs straight and kick them in the water.
- To accelerate, increase the speed at which you move your hands and legs or draw larger circular trajectories.
- Very young children should make their first attempts with a life jacket. When they have learned to juggle this style, they can take off the float and swim along the edge of the pool in the shallow water.
- Go back with large "U" turns.
Warnings
- When swimming in the sea, stay close to the shore and never enter the water alone.
- Be careful when swimming in deep water.
