Floating is a skill that is important for several reasons. Here are our top picks for importance:
- Survival
- Learn the strokes
- Have fun
If you tire or slip into the water, you can float to keep yourself safe. This is a critical step in learning how to swim powerful strokes. It’s also a skill that can be used to play in the water.
Getting into a floating position on your back or front can be challenging, and then back out again. This requires you to put your body in a vulnerable place. It can make it difficult to see what is happening around you. You can practice until your confidence is high with a trusted partner and calm water.
There are many float positions, but we will only focus on 2: The wide horizontal float on the front and back, also known as the star float.
What factors affect the ability to float
A few things can have a significant impact on how your flotilla. These are usually out of your control.
- Water salinity
- Composition of the body
Water salinity
Because saltwater has more molecules per cubic centimeter, freshwater is denser. Saltwater, such as the ocean, has a higher density, allowing it to support you more easily. This is because denser water exerts more pressure from below than the body from above. This is buoyancy.
Freshwater has less pressure because the molecules aren’t as tightly packed. You sink a little less as you become less buoyant. The pressure drops as you fall. You can’t sink to the bottom. These four tips will help you manage the stress and keep your head above the water, even freshwater like the one at your local pool.
Body composition
Your body composition can affect your ability to flotilla easily. People with a higher body mass or a lower body fat percentage will have a more challenging time floating. Because their body composition is dense than those with higher body fat, they will have more difficulty swimming.
You don’t have to be fat to float. This means that your body may behave differently depending on your height. These four tips will keep you at the top regardless of body type.
- Spread
- The better your weight distribution is, the more you will float. Because you are putting less pressure on each square centimeter of water, this is why it’s so important. The buoyancy, or the pressure exerted by the water pushing up, will prevail over the stress you put down. This makes the star shape perfect for learning how to float.
- Lay down on your back. Imagine making your body into a starfish shape. Start by holding one small float in each of your hands until you feel confident.
- Place your front and make the same shape as lying in the water. Both feet should be lifted off the ground. Hold the pool wall for the first few times, then let go when it feels comfortable.
- Relax your muscles
- A few things can help you avoid floating if you’re feeling anxious in the water.
- a. Your breathing becomes shallow
- If you have shallow breathing, your lungs don’t get enough oxygen. Because your lungs act as internal balloons, full lungs can help you float. Mindfulness exercises may be helpful.
- b. Your body will curl up
- Your body will naturally clump together if you are nervous and clench your stomach. As we mentioned, you should spread your legs as far as possible. Relax your stomach and let your legs flow.
- Don’t forget to take off your helmet
- This is a good complement to number 2. Your neck muscles should be relaxed so your head can fall. This will allow your body to move in a way that allows efficient swimming and floating.
- Lay your head flat on your back. Let the head fall back, so the ears are under the water. Looking up towards the sky or ceiling, Lift your chin towards your chest and point it upwards.
- Place your forehead. Could you take a deep breath and keep it there? Let your face sink into the water, and allow your neck to relax. The water will rise right above your forehead, up to the crown. You can take a deep breath anytime you feel the need to.
- Keep your feet on the ground.
- We said that you should relax your muscles. If you struggle to keep your head above the water, the last tip might be for you. Using muscle power, you can activate your core to bring your heavier lower body to the surface. As your legs sink, you should do this again and again.
- Lay on your back. Engage your abdominals and draw your toes towards the top. Although dragging your legs through the water will be difficult, resist the temptation to curl up. This will cause you to sink further. Keep your head down and in the water. Relax your head and let your feet touch the water’s surface.
- Stand on your front. Push your forehead into the water, and arch your back slightly. Your feet should be in an upward position, similar to a skydiver. Do not bend your knees too much. Relax once your feet reach the surface of the water. If necessary, take a deep breath and relax.
Let us assist if you are feeling uneasy or need guidance before attempting to float by yourself. Our teachers can help you learn floating skills and overcome your worries.
