Learning to swim question

Fire-Starter · #1 08-04-2008, 01:27 AM

I have mh daughters in swim class so they will know how to handle themselves if they should ever find themselves in the water. My question is at some point......

1: Do you think people should learn how to swim in normal clothes, i.e jeans, shoes, shirt, since that is the most likley case one would find themselves in if they should ever fall in the water, Not a swimsuit or trunks, not to mention knowing how to handle yourself with the added weight of your wet cloths which will certainly pull you under once they are saturated.

Any thoughts on this

SelenaBassGirl · #2 08-04-2008, 01:56 AM

that is a good point you have there! But I think mainly they are probably trying to teach what to do with no panic...cause even the best swimmers can drown if they panic..But you know that is good thinking. Perhaps you should mention it to the swim instructor.

René_Julien · #3 08-04-2008, 02:20 AM

Are there swimming lessons offered that specificly teach swimming with cloths on?

When I was young my elementry school (grammar school?) offered those kind of swimming lessons and tested kids if they wanted.

lessons and test were:
- swimming with cloths on (undershirt, t-shirt, jeans, socks) 100meter
- dragging someone to safety (a classmate the same age) 25meter
- dragging someone to safety with both clothes on
- 25meter swimming under water (to learn to control how to hold your breath, and how to control your energy while swimming under water)

They certainly were useful lessons. Isn't there an institution or school that offers those lessons?
Over here as an adult or kid you can take those lessons from diving schools, fire-departments and a kayaking-school that I know of. (I guess also sailing-schools and such.)

When I was 20 I dragged a friend 800 meter to the shore of the lake we were swimming in. In about the middle of the lake he got severe cramp in his leg.
All with swiming techniques I learned when I was about 10.

Try to teach them everything about (the dangers of) water, and how to deal with situations. If you can find a professional safety instructor, swim instructor or diver that can teach these things.

Tsal · #4 08-04-2008, 02:26 AM

I'd learn how to swim and be comfortable in water, first - it can take a lot of hours spent in the water to make it feel natural and lose the fear of water. However, if they can only barely swim, it can make them scared of the whole business, as it feels even more difficult.

So, if you get the opportunity, yeah, I'd say it could be a useful experience. Make sure they are comfortable with the thought, though. It's not mandatory; if you are comfortable in water and a decent swimmer, wet clothing isn't too hard to manage.

machine gewehr · #5 08-04-2008, 02:26 AM

Perhaps teaching them taking off the cloths w/o panicking? Cloths become useless after getting out of the water as they're cold and most likely to get you sick.

This,I'm assuming some friendly people are saving you though.Some people may think of wrong things when a person with underwear comes out of the water.

Deacon_Blues · #6 08-04-2008, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tsal

I'd learn how to swim and be comfortable in water, first - it can take a lot of hours spent in the water to make it feel natural and lose the fear of water. However, if they can only barely swim, it can make them scared of the whole business, as it feels even more difficult.

So, if you get the opportunity, yeah, I'd say it could be a useful experience. Make sure they are comfortable with the thought, though. It's not mandatory; if you are comfortable in water and a decent swimmer, wet clothing isn't too hard to manage.

+1

They should learn to swim normally first and be comfortable in the water. If they are familiar with being in the water, chances are much higher they will not panic if they ever fall into the water. Swimming and playing in the water is great fun, even as an adult.

TheDarkReaver · #7 08-04-2008, 04:02 AM

yeah, would be best to get them to learn to swim normally first then start with the clothes thing.

I wish I was a better swimmer, I've just never been able to swim too well. Infact I can barely swim...I'm 21

i_got_a_mohawk · #8 08-04-2008, 04:30 AM

When I was younger (~9-10) I did a survival course, well, did all three levels of it (bronze, silver, gold).

It involved swimming with clothes on all the time. Swimming under obsticales, using your trousers to make a float, dragging people to saftey etc etc. Good course

JimB52 · #9 08-04-2008, 05:44 AM

When I taught water safety, disrobing in the water was one of the lessons. Try swimming with a sweatshirt and jeans sometime. The first and most important lessons are learning to be comfortable in the water, especially floating and treading water.

tplyons · #10 08-04-2008, 07:41 AM

Reminds me of my time in the Boy Scouts. For your swimming merit badge you needed to jump into a lake fully clothed, jeans and everything, take them off and use them for a float, and a whole bunch of other stuff. Do I think it should be mandatory? No, but recommended for anyone who wishes to spend time in the water.