Swim 12 lengths with Asthma?

Question

Ok. So to pass the ARC (American Red Cross) Perquisite to continue the Life Guarding class at my school, I need to be able to swim a 300m which is 12 lengths of our school's pool. 4 Freestyle, 4 Breath Stroke, and 4 or either or.

Well, today I had that test. I was really nervous to begin with. I am 15, and skinny. I'm not really into shape that much, but I'm not out of shape. I used to be on a swim team when I was younger.

I have Asthma, but haven't had any problems since I was 12. Therefore, I don't even carry an inhaler anymore.

Well, I was on my fourth length and all of a sudden I couldn't health, I had thick mucus clogging up my lungs and I quickly got all weak and couldn't finish. The student teachers actually had to help me out of the pool and I was shaking really bad and couldn't walk at all. I was hardly able to breath. So they got the nurse to come and administer me some inhaler, which helped me breath. I then got a really bad migraine. It was of course VERY embarrassing, but I am capable of swimming 12 lengths. I just don't want that to happen again. Clearly, It wasn't my fault, it was a medical condition, so my teacher is letting me retake the test tomorrow with some other people who didn't pass.

BUT, if I can't pass this time, I will have to drop lifeguarding and go into a regular PE class which I would hate. I really want to be a lifeguard.

So tomorrow I'm going to eat a good break feast, take my inhaler before I swim, and pace myself. She said it is about stroke not speed. But I can't stop to catch my breath at all, so I have to be careful.

I'm just scared. 1, I don't want to embarrass myself again by having to be rescued in LIFE GUARDING by the student teachers and school nurse. And 2. I really want to get into the class, and if I don't It might s***w up my entire schedule.

Anyone have some advice on what I can do to keep myself going for all 12 lengths without over working my lungs and stuff too much? I know some people who cheated and only did 10, lol. But I am an honest person so I couldn't do that.

I know I can do it if my Asthma doesn't s***w me up. So, please share some helpful advice on what I can do to pass this.

After this we won't be really doing hard swimming. Just learning to be a lifeguard and warm up laps.

I can't really practice or anything, because my last shot is tomorrow.

Thank You!

Answer 1

Im pretty sure this time you are going to be ok, if you dont put too much stress on your lungs. (by the way, its not breath stroke, its Breaststroke, if thats what you mean....)

If you have your inhaler, i REALLY recommend you using it before you swim, becuase that'll prevent you from having an asthma attack or hard trouble breathing. I have mild asthma, but its never gotten this bad like yours when I swim.

When you swim, dont hold your breath for too long. Take a breath when you want to, or when you feel like. I advise you, when you swim freestyle, that you take a breath every third stroke. Holding your breath too long could put too much stress on your lungs, then not enough oxygen will get into your lungs, and thats when you could have trouble breathing, or something like that.

Hope this helps, and good luck :)

Answer 2

First, always bring your inhaler...period.  Second, Asthma actually improves from swimming due to the restriction of air.  If you are having problems then it is most likely due to the fact that you are breathing improperly.  One does not hold their breath as long as they can, nor do they hold their breath while their face is in the water.  Inhaling and exhaling to the side all at once will cause anyone to hyperventilate.  You need to inhale through the mouth on the side and exhale slowly out the nose in the water.  Breathe in, breathe out.  Steady and slowly.  I recommend that you breathe every three strokes if you are competent to breathe on both sides.  If not, at least every two strokes.  There is no award for breathing less.  As long as you are fit, this should correct your problem.  Also remember that you do not lift the head as you turn to breathe.  You need to keep the head low, chin tucked and roll from the hips to breathe.  For breastroke, you inhale through the mouth as you come up for air, and exhale under water as you kick and glide.  Breathe every pull.  Good luck!