Hi I'm 16 years old and I sadly can't swim... how do I learn how?

Question

I want to learn asap because its embarassing to tell my friends that I can't swim. They start laughing at me and I just want to learn how to swim so I can do something other than walking in the pool. Also I remember about 4 times when I've drowned in the 5-6 foot side of the pool.

How do I learn how to swim? How long will it take for me to efficiently swim in the deep water? This afternoon a group of friends called me to see if I wanted to go to the pool with them. I had to come up with a real good excuse to not go since I didn't want to tell them I didn't know how to swim. I want to learn how to swim now so I don't have to do this again.

Answer 1

Just start messing around in the shallow ends of pools, and, i've found, if you learn to swim underwater first, the rest will come much easier. That's if you're uncomfortable joining a swim team, or just aren't into that kind of thing. Also, as with every goal, don't give up. Push yourself, and you'll eventually get it. It shouldn't take long. I feel real sorry for the friend situation you had to be in. I'm sorry. I hope this helps

Answer 2

join a local swim team, it will help, trust me

Answer 3

A good way to learn how to swim is to take swim classes at the YMCA.  Yeah, it'll probably be with littler kids, but isn't that better than not knowing how?  Plus, considering the whole drowning aspect of the situation, I don't think it would be safe for someone else to teach you.  If you start on like, Level 2, now, you would probably be a solid swimmer by mid July.  Don't put this off, you NEED to learn how to swim.

Answer 4

umm.... I learn how to swim when I was 6 yrs. old but I had this really good swim teacher. And she's going to the Olympics in 58 days!!! So the point that I'm getting at is ask your parents to sign you up for a private swim lesson with somebody that you know, and it will work out for you. Good Luck!!

Answer 5

private swim lessons at your local  rec. center.  just ask the front desk or lifeguard staff

Answer 6

A couple of lessons from a good swimmer will go a long way.  A couple of hours spent with a person who really knows what they're doing should be enough to keep you treading water.  Then it is simply a matter of practice.  If you have money to burn, pay for a few real swim lessons, and that would work too.