My first ever swimming lesson at the age of 38 TONIGHT

[ofHardey]

Eeeeek. I am absolutely shitting it!

But I'm going to do this for my 3 girls.

Any tips for absolute beginners very welcome !

Well done for doing this!

My DM took herself off to swimming lessons at about 9/10 and had a rope tied around her in the pool!

My auntie learned to swim in her 40s.

I can swim fairly well (learned as a baby in the pool) but my technique needs improving so think I'll return for lessons. I love backstroke, with or without the arms.

When you go on holiday do lots of games in the water with DH and DC (sharks, where you put your hands together and move through the water) and visit a waterpark if you have time. I just find it's much more fun to have fun and get used to the water and then the swimming follows on if that makes sense. The sea is another matter!

Oh another one and you don't even need to be able to swim! Aqua fit/aerobics classes are great fun and get you used to the water.

Agreed with a good chlorine shampoo, Boots and Superdrug do them. And also when you change and shower use a nice body wash/soap/shower gel. Remember to wear flip flops to save you getting athletes foot/veruccas. Your swimming costume looks nice but you could also (for holiday) look at others, some swear by Speedos for proper swimming but I find TK Maxx, H&M etc do good basic fashion costumes.

Water is 8x denser than air, so it’s going to be hard on you to move through it

it's all about making yourself as tube like as possible to slip through the water

but staying up in it is the fist step, it takes a lot of core strength

it is exhausting, but it’s a good sensation once you’re along the road a little way.

You are my heroine! Well done. I’m 45 and can’t swim. I’ve been saying for ages that I’d do it for my DC and haven’t. Best of luck!

I think this is absolutely brilliant, what a great role model you are.

It’s great to see you’ve got regular sessions booked in - if you feel like it, please do keep the thread updated. I think we’re all rooting for you.

And it’s been lovely to see all the stories of other late starters, plus those that say this thread is giving them encouragement.

Tell you what, could have done with a pool in my garden today, even if it was only to stand in!

Aww thanks to all the lovely comments and encouragement ! 
@Furries I will keep it updated, definitely.

Off to now start another post about facing another fear 🥴❤️