learn how to swim.

No matter your age, swimming is an important skill, especially if you live or vacation near water. Learning to swim is very much like learning to ride a bicycle. Once you learn, you will never forget.If you are looking for lessons for you child, you should check with your community pool or the local Red Cross for certified instructors. Having someone certified will guarantee your child learns not just the basics of the strokes, but also water safety rules.The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting to begin swimming lessons until your children are at least four years old, however, younger children can still be taught to enjoy the water and to feel comfortable around it. Swim lessons are not a guarantee against drowning, they do increase your child’s chances of escaping a water emergency without injury. You should always supervise young children when in or near water of even shallow depth.To teach your child to swim, follow the same suggestions for teaching yourself to swim that are found below. Remember to give your child plenty of encouragement and support. It is okay to start them off with floatation devices as the first step is to become comfortable in the water.If you are an adult who doesn’t swim, don’t worry! It is never too late to learn to swim. The first thing to do is find a swim instructor who will help you learn to be comfortable and in control in the water. This is especially important if you are afraid of the water. Learning the actual strokes will not help if you are tense or nervous in the water.If you want to teach yourself to swim, first determine how deep the water is. If you are swimming in a pool, it is usually posted somewhere nearby. If you are in a lake, wade into the water until you are at a comfortable depth – one where you can touch and still get your head above water. Never dive into water in which you are uncertain of the depth or location things you might hit while diving.While you are learning to swim and until you gain confidence in your abilities remain in water that is not over your head in case you become tired while swimming. First, practice treading water. For this, you will have to be in water very nearly over your head. Treading water involves kicking your feet downward, as if you are riding a bicycle while “dog paddling” water with your hands. The dog paddle is a short, rapid stroke performed in front of the body with hands cupped. This stroke will keep you fairly stationary and your head above water.Next, practice floating. You can float on your back (back float) or stomach (jellyfish or deadman’s float). Either of these involves taking in a breath of air and holding it. Only your shoulders and head