Can You Swim Safely with Your Head Out of the Water?

In swimming classes, one of the first things students practice is putting their faces in the water. Naturally, going underwater can feel unnatural at first, but it’s also an important skill to learn. It’s technically okay to swim with your head above water, but it’s important to take a few things into consideration as you develop your swimming style. The professionals from San Diego Pools, the experts in pool installation San Diego residents rely on for extraordinary quality and outstanding service, offer the following tips about swimming with your head out of the water.

Help Beginners Feel More Comfortable

Especially for young children, keeping your head above water can simply feel safer. Some new swimmers might prefer to focus on simply getting used to the sensation of moving through the water before they dip their heads under. Allowing new swimmers to go at their own pace can prevent anxiety in the water. In fact, you can even tap into your child’s desire to keep his or her head up by offering a kickboard that strengthens the leg muscles.

Check Your Swimming Path

Even professional swimmers occasionally need to pull their heads out of the water. As a parent, you might prefer to check on your children as you swim laps. Or you might worry about an object in your path as you swim. Giving a quick glance up won’t hurt a thing, and it could help you avoid a collision. Wearing goggles is a helpful strategy for making it easier to keep your head down for longer when you’re swimming with others.

Understand the Impact on Body Positioning

Swimming with your head up does pose a risk of neck strain and reduced efficiency. When you’re swimming through the water, having your head up puts your neck in an awkward position that you might feel later. Your body’s lines could also increase drag in the water, which makes it harder to swim. When you learn a new stroke, make sure to find your head’s best positioning for reduced muscle strain and greater efficiency. For instance, many swimmers prefer to keep their eyes looking downward or part of their faces in the water when they swim with their heads up to prevent neck pain.

Learn Proper Head Movements for Breathing

Lifting your head up occasionally is critical for getting air during your swim. As you learn your swimming strokes, focus on practicing quickly pulling your head out of the water and to the side to take a breath. Although this might feel awkward at first, you’ll soon find it becomes second nature.

Improve Speed by Refining Your Technique

One of the benefits of having a personal backyard swimming pool is being able to practice anytime you want. You can also avoid any self-consciousness as you work on keeping your head in the proper position during your training. As with all new skills, remember it takes time to cultivate your swimming abilities. Keep at it, and consider videoing your practice sessions. Watching yourself swim is a great way to notice when you might be pulling your head out of the water more than you prefer for your swimming style. 

The chance to enjoy swimming at home is one of the most appealing aspects of having a pool of your own. When you’re ready to build a swimming pool for your family, reach out to the experienced pros at San Diego Pools. We’re the award-winning swimming pool contractor San Diego families and businesses have trusted for more than four decades. Give us a call today to learn how we can help you create the perfect design with just the right features that make your pool the one you’ve always dreamed of.