SWIMMING: My first experience| Tips for a first-timer.

I wasn't tensed at first, had prepped my mind for sometime and gathered all the courage needed at home prior to the D-day. Unlike the usual experience when first time swimming for most people was early childhood mine was quite different started early adulthood and I wasn't even a bit shy about it. I mean there's no specific time to experience things for the first time. 

Swimming is a very  lucrative activity|sports.You get to have fun and enjoy the comfort of the water at the same time exercising your bone and muscles effortlessly. A good way to work your entire body, build endurance, muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness and maintain a healthy weight without much impact on your bones and muscles unlike running or jogging. 

One time you are having a great time in the pool at the same time keeping fit. Indeed, all the back strokes and front crawl do pay off. 

My first experience was quite fun, surrounded by friends that could guide me through the whole learning process but as stubborn as I can be, I felt I could handle things alone. 

Looking at the picture above that's me on a lifebuoy staying so close to the wall of the pool after my "It's easy I knew it all failed me". I mean, you will agree with me too that watching video clips of people swimming made it look easy. Thought as much but it was a different case altogether when I got into the pool. 

On entering the pool the water felt so cool, I felt weightless like something comfortably held my weight without stress. The water was taking full control of my movement I couldn't move of my own free will. I felt like there was a force in aroma form oozing out of the water that made me feel like gasping for breath even though the water level was at my chest. It was then I knew I couldn't handle things alone and reached out to my friend close by. She passed a lifebuoy to me and saw me through the whole process. 

Guess who was moving and enjoying the comfort of the water few minutes later? Me!!. 

Swimming is actually very fun when you know how to. It is very important to have full knowledge of swimming or a professional to teach you. These alone can help you become a good swimmer, no two ways about it. That was all my first experience made me realize. 

Based on my experience, here are 9 tips that would guide you through your first swimming experience and help you overcome the fear that comes with it.

1.Where to swim: a swimming pool is the best place to learn to how to swim. As a beginner avoid fast flowing rivers, ocean and lakes. 

2.Wear a swimwear|swimsuite: This enables you to comfortably swim in water. It makes your body lighter and straighter to float easily in water. 

3.Shower before swimming: A standard swimming pool must have a shower room, usually located very close to the dressing room. Showering helps to remove sweat, bacteria, lotion etc from your body. This is one of best way to protect yourself and other swimmers from water illnesses. Because when chlorine in the water mixes with such, it produces toxic agent that it isn't good for the skin.

Please do not swim in any pool that doesn't have a shower room and indicates it as a criteria before making use of the pool. it's very risky. 

4.Go for the lower depth: This is very important. Most swimming pools have two or more depths indicated on the wall of the pool. Check for this and go for the lower depth. Ensure that your feets are able to feel the floor of the pool. 

Lower depths makes it comfortable and easy for you to learn. You go for the higher depths only when you are good at swimming. 

5.Stay close to the wall of the pool: Don't go as far as the center of the pool. Stay close to the wall so that in case you feel like holding on to something or taking a break. You would be able to do so. 

6.Lifebuoy | lifejacket : A safety swimming device that provides buoyancy and prevents drowning. Every functional swimming pool must have one of these. As a beginner ensure you ask for any of the two before entering the pool. It helps a lot.

7.No rush, relax and enjoy the comfort of the water. You can't learn how to become a good swimmer in just a day. With constant practice you will get there. 

8. Shower after swimming: This is also as important as showering before swimming. It helps to prevent drying and whitening of your skin due to the chlorine used in purifying the water. It also protects you from bacteria that may cause reactions to your skin. 

9. Never go alone to the pool. Through your learning process|beginner stage, ensure you are with someone to keep a close range with you while you swim. Please don't ever make the mistake of doing the opposite, its very risky.

Swimming is a very lovely experience. At first you may feel scared but along the line the feeling disappears. Observing safety measures diligently keeps you on the right track. I hope you get to enjoy your first experience just as I did. 

What was your first swimming experience like? Share with me on the comment section. 

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