Private vs regular group lessons

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Yup I had to walk across the pool.

oh man, I guess my certifying instructor violated standards by allowing me to swim at the surface of the water. Only my head was above water!

 

[Jim Lapenta]

The swim, as others have said, is not timed. Any stroke can be used and in any combination. I'm not what anyone would call a fast swimmer. It's not the Olympics and, while I can if need be go quick in an emergency, fast is not really required in diving.
The swims, treading water, and short underwater swim are more about gauging comfort in the water and the ability to be ok around water in general. Drowning is a large cause of death in kids. Because they are allowed around water and never taught to swim. Parents will spend money on dance, tee ball, cheerleading, jr hockey. etc. and while that's not a bad thing, they do that in lieu of swim lessons. Again, not a bad thing if the kids will never be around water deeper than a wading pool. If they are going to have access to water, in my mind, not teaching them how to swim is neglect bordering on endangerment.
Also, in rescue situations, the swim you would use is not the same as one you'd use in a race. In a rescue situation, you need to keep eyes on the victim and so the head underwater race swim doesn't work.
And you also need to have enough left in the tank to assist the victim back to shore or the boat. Arriving winded after a sprint isn't going to be very helpful.
If necessary, we can start each session with several laps just to get you more comfortable and raise your endurance level.
One of the best gifts I ever got was at the age of 56 when my GF got me an hour with a pro swim coach at a local fitness center. I learned to swim at the age of 4 or 5 from my grandfather. Been swimming over 50 years at the time and I learned a lot in that hour.

 

[kaylee_ann]

The swim, as others have said, is not timed. Any stroke can be used and in any combination. I'm not what anyone would call a fast swimmer. It's not the Olympics and, while I can if need be go quick in an emergency, fast is not really required in diving.
The swims, treading water, and short underwater swim are more about gauging comfort in the water and the ability to be ok around water in general. Drowning is a large cause of death in kids. Because they are allowed around water and never taught to swim. Parents will spend money on dance, tee ball, cheerleading, jr hockey. etc. and while that's not a bad thing, they do that in lieu of swim lessons. Again, not a bad thing if the kids will never be around water deeper than a wading pool. If they are going to have access to water, in my mind, not teaching them how to swim is neglect bordering on endangerment.
Also, in rescue situations, the swim you would use is not the same as one you'd use in a race. In a rescue situation, you need to keep eyes on the victim and so the head underwater race swim doesn't work.
And you also need to have enough left in the tank to assist the victim back to shore or the boat. Arriving winded after a sprint isn't going to be very helpful.
If necessary, we can start each session with several laps just to get you more comfortable and raise your endurance level.
One of the best gifts I ever got was at the age of 56 when my GF got me an hour with a pro swim coach at a local fitness center. I learned to swim at the age of 4 or 5 from my grandfather. Been swimming over 50 years at the time and I learned a lot in that hour.

Yeah! I’m going to swim Saturday and find out what my endurance level is. I can swim, and am comfortable doing so, just nervous but building endurance is a good idea. I taught myself so am not sure if I’m swimming “correctly”.

 

[kaylee_ann]

And yeah I’d think taking your time in an emergency situation so you don’t use too much air would be what I’m supposed to do…maybe not lol.
Edit not taking your time but conserving energy lol

 

[formernuke]

I might try and hit the pool tommorow as well. Not expecting it to go well though.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Yeah! I’m going to swim Saturday and find out what my endurance level is. I can swim, and am comfortable doing so, just nervous but building endurance is a good idea. I taught myself so am not sure if I’m swimming “correctly”.

That's a great idea, as you are by yourself, won't feel any pressure, but figure out where you're at.

While I took swimming lessons as a kid, I did work with a swim coach a couple years ago, and it helped enormously.

While all kids should learn to swim, all adults (except those who have a competitive swimming past) would benefit from adult lessons. Though it isn't necessary for open water, but more for enjoyment of swimming in open water.

 

[kaylee_ann]

That's a great idea, as you are by yourself, won't feel any pressure, but figure out where you're at.

While I took swimming lessons as a kid, I did work with a swim coach a couple years ago, and it helped enormously.

While all kids should learn to swim, all adults (except those who have a competitive swimming past) would benefit from adult lessons. Though it isn't necessary for open water, but more for enjoyment of swimming in open water.

Right. I think it’d be beneficial to be taught the right way to swim and correct techniques. As well as for emergencies like if I need to swim up to the surface or save a friend, what I should do and the best swim techniques to go fast if you know what I mean

 

[James79]

As well as for emergencies like if I need to swim up to the surface

One thing that will be addressed in class, is that you don't swim up fast. I won't go into detail (leave that for Jim Lapenta!), but the physics of diving make fast ascents both dangerous, and unnecessary.

Respectfully,

James

 

[<*)))><]

In the past, this was recommended by several people in another scubaboard thread.

Hope it helps, and good luck getting certified! You got this.

Total Immersion: How I Learned to Swim Effortlessly in 10 Days and You Can Too - The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss

Is it possible to get good at swimming late in life? Yes. (Photo: Shutterhack) Swimming has always scared the hell out of me. Despite national titles in other sports, I’ve always fought to keep afloat. This inability to swim well has always been one of my greatest insecurities and...

tim.blog

 

[kaylee_ann]

One thing that will be addressed in class, is that you don't swim up fast. I won't go into detail (leave that for Jim Lapenta!), but the physics of diving make fast ascents both dangerous, and unnecessary.

Respectfully,

James

“The bends” right? I meant if I really really needed to haha. I’m excited to learn more about the different physiological aspects of diving though. Helps with safety.