With beautiful beaches and stunning waterfalls, there’s no shortage of incredible places to swim in Australia. If you don’t know how to swim, there’s no need to stress! When it comes to learning the skill, age is just a number.
Learning how to swim as an adult is a very rewarding and valuable experience. In addition to being a fun leisure activity, swimming is a gateway to enjoying your Australian experience to the fullest.
Let’s take a look at some of the best reasons for learning how to swim as an adult (and how you can do it yourself!)
Boosting your confidence
When you master a new skill – including learning how to swim as an adult – you will see your confidence skyrocket. Learning new skills is an excellent way to broaden your horizons and feel competent in more areas of life. Without a doubt, this newfound confidence will carry over to your academics, career and social life.
Improving your physical fitness
Not much of a gym person? No problem! Swimming is an excellent way to get some exercise and enhance your physical health. It keeps your heart rate up and builds your endurance while minimising the impact on your joints. Plus, you use nearly all your muscles when you swim, making it an awesome full-body workout.
Opening the door to more fun activities
Learning how to swim as an adult will also pave the way for you to explore other water-based activities that are popular in Australia. Some examples of these include surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, kitesurfing, boating, fishing and windsurfing.
Protecting yourself and others
By learning how to swim as an adult, you’ll ensure your own safety and the safety of others in the water. You’ll learn how to swim in various types of water and weather conditions (e.g., extreme waves, strong tides), which will help you decrease your risk of injury and drowning. In some swimming courses, you may even learn life-saving CPR techniques. All these skills will give you much-needed peace of mind when you take to the water.
Where to learn how to swim as an adult
If you’re ready to learn how to swim, then you may be wondering where to start. An excellent first step is to check the closest swimming lessons provider for adults. Head to Swim Australia to find a swim school in your area. Alternatively, you can reach out to your education provider or visit its website to see if swimming lessons are available.
You’ll likely have the option of attending one-on-one lessons or group lessons. The price will vary depending on the type of class you choose, but on average, you can expect to pay somewhere between AU$15 – AU$25 per lesson.
When deciding between private and group classes, it’s important to consider a few factors. Firstly, assess your own comfort level; if you’d rather have privacy while you learn, one-on-one lessons may be a better fit for you. Budget is another important consideration. If you’re on a tight budget, group classes may be ideal since they are typically more affordable. Lastly, if you’re hoping to make news when learning how to swim as an adult, then group lessons are highly recommended. In these classes, you’ll have the opportunity to meet like-minded people and bond over a shared interest.
Now, you may be wondering: what do I need to learn how to swim as an adult? As a beginner, the only equipment you need is a swimsuit and a pair of goggles. Swimming caps are often recommended for women.
What to expect from learning how to swim as an adult
Learning a new skill can be nerve-wracking, so it’s normal to feel anxious before your first swim session. But when you know what to expect, you’ll minimise those nerves in no time.
In most cases, your instructor will keep you in the shallow end for the first couple of lessons. Here, you’ll learn proper breathing techniques, how to tread water and how to get comfortable with being submerged in water. As you progress, you’ll learn different swimming strokes and transition into the deep end.
With consistency and passion, you can master swimming skills and enjoy swimming as a hobby for the rest of your life.
Learn more about swimming safety here.
