Swimming is an essential skill, especially in a community like ours that is surrounded by water.
Though the focus for swim lessons tends to be on children, as an adult you, too, should think about improving your swimming ability and knowledge of water safety.
Why Learn to Swim?
- Personal safety: Drowning is one of the top five causes of deaths from injury in Beaufort County for individuals ages 0 through 17 and 65+, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
- Fear of water: Overcoming fear is a great accomplishment and a source of confidence and pride. Even for those who are terrified of the water, it’s possible to get comfortable and become a competent swimmer. Find a patient and experienced swim instructor, explain your situation and give yourself permission to progress slowly.
- Better health: Swimming can benefit your body in a number of ways, such as keeping your heart and lungs healthy and improving your stamina, strength, flexibility, posture and balance.
- Lifelong enjoyment: Swimming is a low-impact exercise that even those with arthritis can enjoy.
Read More: Boating? Stay Safe on the Water
Tips for Success
- Wear goggles: Goggles that fit well will make a difference in your comfort and ability to maneuver in the pool.
- Ease in: Start in the shallow end and focus on the position and movement of each part of your body. You’ll find it is easier to develop the various elements of a stroke when you’re able to stand up and take a break.
- Get your face wet: A smooth freestyle stroke requires putting your face in the water. You’ll be most successful once you’ve mastered continuously breathing out through your nose while your face is submerged.
- Get lots of pool time: Consistent practice will pay off. Swimming isn’t an activity you can master with a couple of lessons. And speaking of lessons…
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Sign up for lessons: An instructor can teach you all the elements and then help you bring them together in harmony.
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Consider fins: Fins, paddleboards and other tools can help you focus on a specific movement as you develop a stroke. Be sure to follow time using these aids with unaided practice so you don’t build reliance.
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Pick the right suit: Baggy swim trunks and fashion-forward swimsuits often don’t function well for swimming. Don’t let an inappropriate bathing suit impede your progress.
- Don’t give up: Keep at it. And if you’re away from the water for an extended time, be aware that a refresher may be needed.
Local Resources for Swim Lessons
A variety of swim schools and programs—for a variety of fees—are available locally. Here are a few options:
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Beaufort County Parks and Leisure Services: “Stroke Improvement” classes are offered for those over the age of 18 who want to learn or improve a specific swimming technique. The swim lesson program is tailored to younger students.
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Beaufort-Jasper YMCA: Beginner and advanced lessons are available for adults and children, with sessions starting throughout the year.
- Hilton Head Island Recreation Center: Adult swim lessons and swim training are offered in addition to youth aquatic programs.
- Marine Corps Community Services: Group and private lessons are available for authorized pool patrons. Active-duty personnel of all skill levels are eligible for free swim lessons. For more information and to schedule, call 843-228-7524.