Learn how to float

Float in water

Floating is second nature

Human beings float by nature if there is oxygen inside the lungs. How an individual floats is determined by the buoyant force from water and the pull of gravity. It varies considerably between swimmers. It requires technique adjustments because it interacts with any movement principle. This article explains floating from a physics point of view. 

Basic Physics of Flotation

When an object floats in dense fluid, it is affected by two forces. One is the ever-present force due to gravity and the other is the buoyant force, a force exerted by the fluid on the object. When the object is symmetrical, such as a rectangular block of Styrofoam, the two forces coincide. When the object floats, the buoyant force equals the gravitational force. Since the floating object displaces its weight in fluid (Archimedes’ Principle), equilibrium is reached and the Styrofoam block rests at the surface in the fluid. The water “supports” the weight of the object. This simple event is illustrated in Figure 1. Confusion often reigns between the roles of the volume and the weight of the water displaced. Archimedes’ Principle is appropriate to understand what occurs. It commonly is stated as follows:

When a body is immersed in a fluid, it experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced.

How we teach you how to float
All new swimmers who join Your Personal Swim Coach start at the first level ‘Water Introduction’. In approximately 10 sessions you will be able to float independently and confidently on your front and back. these session take place in warm and shallow water.

“The feeling of floating is freedom”

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Our adult swim classes

Your Personal Swim Coach will help you become a more confident you, a stronger, fitter and healthier you, a happier, care-free you and ensure your success in learning to enjoy and feel safe in and around water!

Water Introduction

If you cannot swim at all and are fearful and/or challenged in water generally.

You took classes before and failed or it has been a very long time ago.

Stroke Introduction

You are comfortable in shallow water but are not able yet to perform all 4 basic strokes.

This level requires you to have passed the introduction program, or you are able to perform a swim a backcrawl, and a single backstroke (froggy leg).

Intermediate

You can swim comfortably in shallow water, however, deep water gives you discomfort.

This level requires you to know all the 4 basic strokes and you have had swim lessons before.

Advanced

You have no issues in deep water and are able to swim more than one lane without breaking.

These groups work on improving their swimming skills and stamina and follow the program for Diplomas A, B, and C.

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