Learn To Swim Underwater With These Simple Tips

To swim underwater, it is essential to learn certain keys related to breathing, as well as to lose fear to avoid blockages in possible critical moments. We tell you some keys to achieve it.

During vacation time, many people choose a destination with a beach to rest and relax. Be it on the beach or in the pool, we must have a minimum notions about swimming that guarantee safety, while we enjoy ourselves. To do this, we offer you some tips to learn to swim underwater.

Beyond having fun playing as a family, there is also the option of diving, which is undoubtedly a very pleasant activity and that everyone should experience at some time. The sensation of weightlessness and the beauty of the seabed make this activity not only a sport, but a true enjoyment for the senses.

Before swimming underwater

Before starting to swim underwater, it should be noted that sudden changes in temperature should be avoided. This is achieved by getting wet little by little with the water in which we are going to practice.

In this way, we eliminate the danger of suffering a case of hydrocution, popularly known as “digestion cut”. Remember that, after eating, the blood is concentrated in the process of digestion. If we dive, we are hit by cold water and blood is redistributed, leaving digestion incomplete.

It is also very important to always respect any indication or signage of the place where we are going to swim, especially if we go with children. In the case of the beach, there are usually flags or indicators of the risk of the waves at that moment.

Hold the breath

First of all, to swim underwater we must learn to hold our breath. The longer we are able to hold the air in our lungs, the more pleasant the experience will be and the more agile we will be able to move.

Children and people who are afraid to dive can start practicing in the bathtub or in shallow pools. We can count the seconds to see how we are increasing resistance and lung capacity. However, we must always do it with common sense and without reaching the limit that could compromise safety.

Another option to start enjoying the views of the seabed while diving is snorkeling. This simple method, which consists of a tube through which we breathe through the mouth, takes some time to adapt. We must always try not to immerse ourselves too much so that no water enters the upper part of the tube.

To lose the fear

The fear of swimming underwater is a great impediment to enjoying the activity. Immersing ourselves implies facing the fear of the unknown or possible trauma from the past. If necessary, professional assistance can be sought to overcome aversion to water.

Likewise, there are courses with specialized instructors who will guide us and offer a lot of information for our progress. In this way, you can gradually feel more security in an environment as different as water.

It is very important in diving to have self-control over emotions, phobias or anxieties. A stressful or panicky situation underwater can be very unpleasant and dangerous. We must know how to control ourselves and not lose our composure in a critical or uncertain moment.

Like fish in the water

Feeling like a fish in water at a certain depth is an almost mystical sensation. At that moment, the sensation of lightness that we can feel under water, where the own weight almost disappears, is combined with the possibility of making movements in all directions.

In addition, swimming is one of the most complete sports, since it works all the muscles of the body. Beyond the physical, it also contributes to improving cardiovascular health, especially in overweight people, as detailed in a study published by Biomedical Engineering Online .

Technique for swimming underwater

As we mentioned before, it is best to learn to dive from a professional instructor. In addition to speeding up the process, this will allow you to practice in controlled and safe conditions. The technique for this activity is based on the following points:

• Take a deep breath and dive under the water for the first time with confidence.
• Take a couple of strokes to go down and let your body slide into the water.
• When you notice that you run out of air, push up, take a breath, and dive again.
• You can keep your feet together, like a tail, or open and close your legs to swim. Find your own style and be sure to perfect it together with the instructor.

Enjoy this unique experience!

Once you start with your first few dives to swim underwater, you can consider going a little further. There are certified courses with professionals to be able to practice scuba diving at different depths.

Without a doubt, it is one of the most spectacular experiences that the sea offers, since you will be able to see the seabed first-hand. Remember, however, to always be accompanied by experts and to respect all security measures so as not to suffer inconveniences that cloud the wonderful days that this sport offers.