To be embarrassed that I can’t swim at the age of 33!

[Benny91]

I’m sure it’s also unusual to not be able to swim at this age!

As I’m thinking of doing adult swim lessons and feel people will ridicule me!

I did have a few lessons as a child, but because of the fear of drowning and also with my severe eczema (due to the chemicals in pool burning my skin), I didn’t continue doing so.

Do you know any mature adults that can’t swim? And is it unusual?

My dad learnt to swim in his late 40's, it's not too late!

I know plenty of people who can't swim and it's not that unusual. Sad but not unusual. I only say sad because swimming gives me so much pleasure.
Nobody would ridiciule you, go for 1-1 lessons and enjoy x

I know a couple of people who can't swim, and definitely don't think it's too late to learn. Would never ridicule anyone learning anything, and I consider swimming a bit of a life skill, so good for you!

Go for it my mum went for lessons in her 40s. 2 of mine late 20s one has done them and one has just started.

Most people are way too busy worrying about their own insecurities to dwell on anyone else’s’ for long. Look at it another way, you’re taking control of your life and learning a very useful skill that could bring you loads of happiness and even save your life one day. Loads of things that people can’t do, no shame in it at all. Hold your head high and go for it.

I had adult swimming lessons at 63.. loved it ... after being scared to get my face wet in the pool.
Go for it.. the point is that everyone in the class will be the same.. nervous, embarrassed.. whatever.. and it will be fun! I promise.

I have 2 dc. One took to swimming like a duck to water, the other sunk every time she got into a pool and this was with years of swimming lessons 😄

I consider swimming a bit of a life skill,
Yes, I think it's terrible that schools only do swimming lessons for about 5 weeks only a year in year 5 and 6. They don't learn at all. Some people can't afford lessons or to take their kids. When I was at school in the 70s we went swimming every week to the local pool and you got badges for the different lengths you could swim.

33? I'm more than double that and can't swim. I've no idea why you find it embarrassing!

You should go for it! I’m sure that there will be plenty others in the same boat. Most leisure centres offer adult swim classes so they are clearly in demand!

I struggle to put my face in the water or get my face wet - so I swim like a turtle 😂 I’ve been debating trying lessons to see if I can improve.

You're embarrassed but you shouldn't be.

I had lessons in my early 40s. Before then, couldn't even wear goggles or put my head in the water. I was the youngest in the class. Some people absolutely terrified.

I now swim 3-4km a week. Absolutely love it.

My motivation for learning was seeing my DH (former County swimmer) playing in the water with the toddlers. They were thrilled when I joined them for a swim on holiday.

Don't be embarrassed, plenty of people can't swim. Book some adult beginner lessons. Make learning to swim a goal for summer.

Don't be embarrased. Learn to swim instead :)

Adult lessons sounds a good first step.
As an adult, you shouldn't need much to become reasonably safe&confident at the watter, which should be the prioroty.

Different techniques or endurance can come later.

Edit: weird formatting

I learnt to swim at your age! (I am much older now). Do the classes!

One of my colleagues learnt to swim in her 50s. It's never too late!

My local David Lloyd runs adult beginner swimming lessons.

You certainly won’t be the only one, and nobody will ridicule you.

I can't either. My cousin drowned whilst learning to swim in school. My DM refused to let me near a pool after that. I've never bothered as an adult as the thought of deep water gives me the fear.

My husband is 38 and I keep trying to get him to learn but he has this fear about what people say-I keep telling him no one cares! Myself and my six year old can swim -her probably better than both of us as she’s done lessons since she was 3!-and it would be much more enjoyable for him on holidays etc if he could join in.
so if you do go, please share your success story! :)

My father learned in his 60s, so I definitely don’t think you are too old!

Do you still have eczema? If so, can you find a private pool somewhere for lessons? I would assume that they are likely to be less heavily chlorinated than public pools.

I was 35 before I learned how to swim. Local council puts on adult swimming lessons. They are self paced mostly so a lot of the time there were just 2-3 of us to an instructor.

I'd recommend anyone to go for proper lessons rather than just trying to learn yourself.

my mum cannot swim at age 74. She has always had a fear of water and wouldn't even consider getting in the baby pool for a paddle. it was very disappointing when I was a child as she never took me swimming because of her fear of water. I did learn to swim myself at school but I am not a great swimmer.

I suspect it's very common not to be able to swim just people don't admit it because as an adult it's very easy not to go swimming.

It's probably also very common for people to think they can swim while actually being very poor swimmers. A few school swimming lessons isn't going to set you up for a lifetime of confident swimming.

If you still have ezcema though swimming is a pain. I gave up as the palaver I needed after each swim got out of hand.

Check out your local area for adult swimming lessons. I can swim but lost a lot of confidence in front crawl and back crawl. My friend and I booked into adult classes at the beginning of the year. Best thing I’ve done in a long time. I’m learning, gaining confidence and having fun. Best part of my week!

My teacher is very experienced and teaches everyone from kids, non-swimmers and people like me. I’ve seen her in the water with those who have never swum before and what she can achieve is amazing. I highly rate getting lessons. And, when your in the pool, no one bats an eyelid that your getting lessons.

Oh and I’m 44 and the youngest in my class by about 30 years!

I can’t swim. I’ve been on the waiting list at my local council run pool for 2yrs and haven’t been offered a spot so I probably won’t bother any further. I’ve got this far without needing to swim so I’ll be fine.

My DD is currently learning to swim and I’m likely to pull her out soon as it’s just wasted money. She’s learned nothing in the past 6mths as there’s a new teacher every week so they just cover the very basics each time. Pointless.

Go for it. I have seen plenty of adults learn, my local pool has 1-2-1 lessons both for beginners and people who want to improve a certain aspect.

My tip is make sure you practice as well as having a lesson. You will progress much more quickly.