Learning to swim is not just for fun, but also helps to prevent the still many drowning accidents in England. It also helps to boost your metabolism, and keep your joints sfe.
The Royal Life Saving Society report that around 400 people drown each year in the UK, and most of the these accidents could be prevented with basic swimming skills, and water safety awareness.
Some of their tips include:
- Only use inflatable devices in pools (not open waters)
- Swim where there are lifeguards
- Don’t go near ice in winter, and keep dogs on leads.
If caught in a rip current, wade (don’t swim) parallel to the shore, raise hand and shout for help. A tow float (and bright swim hat) helps.
Read more safety tips on wild swimming.
Know Your Beach Flags
Beach flags confusingly are different worldwide. But in the UK:
- Red flags mean ‘do not go in the water’.
- Red (top) and yellow (bottom) means ‘only swim in the lifeguarded area, between the flags’.
- Orange wind socks (show the direction of the wind)
- Black and white checks (surfing area – swimmers keep away)
Where to Find Swimming Lessons in England
It’s the law for all schools to offer swimming lessons to young children, so they can swim a certain distance (usually 25m).
Look for clean and well-maintained pools that are staffed by qualified lifeguards, and equipped with clear safety signs and emergency gear.
Good pools also carry out regular water checks, to keep all swimmers safe. Look for teachers with recognised qualifications (like Swim England) that run lessons in age-appropriate groups.
Dealing with Fear of Water and Anxiety
Humans are not naturally fearful of water (did you now that otters are frightened of water as cubs, and have to be coaxed into the water?)
Having said that, water is not our natural element, so often we (like apes) have a natural fear of drowning.
If you are scared of water, spend time at the pool, watching others who are okay. Start in shallow water with someone you trust, and walk before you can run.
You could practice putting your face in the water, while holding onto the edge. Or just try floating for just a few seconds.
Parents can help, by joining their children in shallow pools, even if they can’t swim. This helps to stop the fear of water passing to the next generation.
Basic Techniques For Swimmers
Before learning certain strokes, focus on the basics.
- Floating: Lie back, keep your body straight, and relax
- Kicking: Use gentle, steady kicks from the hips, not the knees
- Breathing: Practise breathing in through your mouth, out through your nose, with your face in and out of the water
Progressing to Simple Strokes
After the basics, move up to front crawl and backstroke. Start slowly, focusing on rhythm and coordination. Practise arm movements, breathing, and kicking in short bursts. Take breaks when you need to. Each session builds skill and confidence.
We Need More Affordable Public Pools
It’s a shame that old-fashioned pay-as-you-go swimming pools have disappeared, as today you have to mostly sign up for monthly memberships, which many people can’t afford to do.
Enter your postcode to find local pools which are more affordable than swanky gyms, or approach out-of-season hotels as many offer memberships in quiet seasons, though obviously the caveat is that there are likely no lifeguards.
But its nice to find a quiet pool to support local hotels, and you may benefit from uncrowded pools.
Another possible idea is some private schools, who have heeded government advice to let local state school children use pools (sometimes with lifeguards). To help reduce the number of children, who can’t swim.
For private pools, install secure fencing at least 4 feet tall (you can use a FrogLog and Critter Skimmer combined to help prevent small critters drowning in pools – it’s best to cover them).
One is a float to let fallen creatures climb out, the other stops them falling into pool skimmers).
