How does one leant to float after one has learnt to swim?

Question

I seem to have jumed the gun and can swim but not float properly. I suppose if one can float in a stremalined position well, it helps reduce drag. Is it an absolute must to swim properly if not efficienty? Should one not swim at all till one has learnt to float. ?

In the earlier question on floating at this forum, someone replied that people whose specific gravity is less than one can float well-http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070820180858AAojWBY&show=7. How does one calculate that?

For those with specific gravity >1 , should they try floating without sculling at all? Is it possible?

Basically, what is the significance of floating in swimming?

Answer 1

One just floats while one swims

Answer 2

its the simpest thing.just relax, but not to much, snd u will flote,its not rockety-rocket sience

Answer 3

This is a pretty easy thing to do, regardless of the specific gravity issue.  First Safety, make sure you do this in the shallow end to start in case you start to sink.  The water should be deep enough to stand in AND you should be close enough to wall that it is within reach.

To float on one's stomach, just inhale a deep breath and lay down flat in the pool with your arms over your head and your legs relaxed.  This is sometimes referred to as the spider float.

What makes you float is the large amount of air in your lungs making you buoyant.  If you want to experiment,  slowly exhale your air you will find yourself sinking.  

To float on your back, TAKE A DEEP BREATH then tilt your chin backwards as far as possible without putting your eyes in the water and arch your back gently until your stomach touches the surface of the water with your arms above your head and your legs relaxed.  Again you should float.  if you get it right you can slowly breathe out (you will slowly start sinking of course) then take another deep breath in rhythmically and you can stay in that position indefinitely.

Takes a little practice but it is simple.  Think of your lungs like giant floaties, because that is technically what they are.

As for the significance, well that is also easy to answer.  If you look at what "element" is easier to move through, air or water, you would easily answer air right?

Well if you can float you can create a situation where a portion of your body is out of the water creating less drag, therefore making it easier to swim.

Answer 4

well just relax and then lay back