Is this a normal swimming practice?

[HappySere25]

Hello,

I previously took a beginner swimming class and the male instructor started us in the swimming pool as usual but on this one day, when I was wearing my bikini, which is quite revealing and in hind sight maybe not the best for a swimming class, but I wanted to try wearing it, instead of my usual one piece (so I was already feeling a little shy) he asked us (3 women and 1 man) to get out of the pool for a practice drill.

I was a bit uncomfortable that he asked us to get out at this point, but thought it might be normal. He then proceeded to instruct us to hold our arms at our side and move our shoulders from side to side. This made me feel really uncomfortable, because at this point other people were looking at us (guys who were in the pool incidentally) and he then singled me out and made me do it, while those guys were watching.

Initially, I thought it was strange, because he had not asked us to get out of the water in other lessons. I then thought that maybe it was me feeling embarrassed and shy, but since then I've thought more about it and done some searches on the internet and I can't find this kind of practice in usual beginner swimming guides. This is still really bothering me albeit a few months later.

This seems to be a strange kind of practice to do after a few days of lessons and mid-way through a lesson when we've already been in the pool.

Someone said on the local talk that I have to wear a proper costume but I had my reason why I wore it. And, wearing bikini doesn't mean you are free to get taken advantage of?

Please can you help me understand whether or not this is a normal swimming practice technique for beginners and if this is normally done out of the pool in this way. If not, then perhaps I am right in feeling violated.

[vvviola]

Not sure how it would work for adult classes, but certainly for my DC's classes they are often standing at the side of the pool practicing arm positioning etc - it's easier for the instructor to check that they are getting it right.

Did he explain why he wanted you to do it?

I don't want to minimise it if it made you feel uncomfortable, but on the face of it, I don't see a problem.

[TeenAndTween]

This happens in my children's swimming lessons quite frequently. She gets the kids out of the pool to show and adjust how their arms should be during a stroke.
Was that what he was doing, or something else?

[angelos02]

Why did you wear your bikini? Can't seem to see from your OP. (not that it makes any difference to how you should be treated obviously).

[Katenka]

Wearing a bikini doesn't mean you should be taken advantage of. But wearing something that makes you feel self conscious isn't a good idea.

I have never done adult classes but in kids classes this is entirely normal.

With the information given I can't say either way if it's normal.

It made you feel uncomfortable, your feelings are your feelings. That doesn't mean he did something wrong.

[slebmum1]

Yes it's pretty normal. Wearing a revealing bikini for a swimming lesson not so - they don't stay in place for a start.

Get a proper swimsuit, for swimming, not sunbathing and go back for your lessons.

[ScarlettDarling]

I'm sure there was a perfectly valid reason for the shoulder exercises...sounds pretty standard from watching endless bloody hours of children's swimming lessons.

The issue is that you felt uncomfortable because you were wearing a revealing bikini. You're obviously aware now that that wasn't a great choice and I'm sure you won't wear it again, so hopefully you won't feel so uncomfortable again.

[HappySere25]

I saw other people wearing it, so I thought I was being silly. And I have only one onsie, which I often forgot to wash after swimming even for a couple of days.

[Katenka]

There is nothing wrong with wearing a bikini. But for a lesson you need to feel comfortable and not distracted by what you are wearing and how it makes you feel.

Other people may feel perfectly happy and confident in a bikini. So it's not a distraction for them. It's about how your clothes make you feel.

[Drinkstoomuchcoffee]

You are an adult. If you do not like what someone is asking you to do, don't do it. Sounds like a normal lesson to me. Wear sensible suit next time.

[HappySere25]

He did it to make sure we turn body from side to side in water. But we never got out of water before and after that day. And, another reason why I am feeling uncomfortable is that he was very rude to me when there was only me in the swimming class such as being late about 10 minutes( the class is 40 minutes), finishing early and bringing his girlfriend. Even before these, I had impression that he didn't like me and I thought I was being unreasonable.

[vulgarbunting]

As an ex swimming teacher of adults this is totally normal. YABU.

[Buzzardbird]

I don't think the bikini is this issue, I think you were just feeling self-conscious. Just wear something you feel more comfortable in.

[eurochick]

Like others,I would say some instruction at the poolside is normal. Perhaps he used you to demonstrate because you were doing it well. If you are uncomfortable in a bikini, wear something less revealing.

[leccybill]

Perhaps buy a spare one piece? They start from £9 for a basic black one in Asda.

From a die-hard bikini wearer, I recently bought my first one-piece for a trip to a UK waterpark. I felt much more comfortable in it, especially as I looked around as every female was in a one-piece.

[Buzzardbird]

And now you are 'drip feeding' on a thread about swimming?

[RhiWrites]

The only difference between a bikini and a one piece is that people can see your tum. Oh, and the top part of a bikini is often more supportive. I don't see any reason why you shouldn't wear one for a swimming lesson.

Only you can know if the guy has a creepy vibe or if he singled you out in a professional way because you seemed stiff and uncomfortable.

[drspouse]

Quite a lot of the mums who take their children to baby swimming wear bikinis - I wear a tankini so I can put it on in the morning and go to the loo - some may do it for this reason, some it's the only suit they have, some are showing off their (admittedly quite toned!) post baby bodies, and some just like it. We also have to demo strokes etc. but usually in the water not out.

Some one-pieces are quite low cut and don't stay in place/ride up but if you are uncomfortable it probably isn't the best suit. I changed from my one piece to my tankini for an aquafit class I did because it rode up all the time.

I've done demo strokes (mainly legs from memory) either in the shallow end or on the pool side in intermediate adult lessons.

[SexTrainGlue]

Shoulder exercises are normal, as is touching the arms and shoulders to correct technique. You are likely to have received what you perceived as 'singling out' because he assessed you needed the additional help to get the technique correct.

It's also likely that it wasn't done before because it wasn't necessary before. As you progress through swimming classes it is likely that there will be a number of new exercises that you have not encountered before that point.

That said, if you don't like your instructor, then you'll be better off finding a different class.

[Housemum]

[lljkk]

You should wash your suit immediately after each & every swim. Or if you have washed yourself well in the shower while wearing suit, then merely give the suit a good rinse at home & hang up to dry. If you don't deal with it quickly, suit may also rot (yuck). Don't leave it to fester.

[TurnOffTheTv]

I take adult swimming lessons and it's totally normal
I'm assuming you're not going anymore anyway if this was months ago it happened?
You were obviously feeling uncomfortable in your very revealing bikini (not sure why you would wear it to a swimming lesson)
Bravo on the drip feed as well!

[Katenka]

So essentially don't like him?