How Long Will It Take Me to Learn How to Swim?

The short answer for how long it should take to learn to swim is about 20 to 25 hours for adults—although children may actually be able to learn how to swim more quickly. Below, the experienced professionals from San Diego Pools, the experts in modern pool design San Diego residents trust for outstanding craftsmanship and exceptional service, go over what to keep in mind when learning to swim yourself or when teaching your kids how to enjoy the many perks that go along with learning how to enjoy something humans have been doing for thousands of years.

It Depends on How Much Time You Can Devote to Swimming

Naturally, someone who has more time to dedicate to swimming is going to learn faster than someone who doesn’t have as much free time available. For instance, if you swim every day for several weeks, you could very well be a pretty decent swimmer in about a month. On the other hand, if you only can set aside a few hours here and there, it will naturally take a bit longer to learn how to properly swim.

It’s Never Too Late to Learn How to Swim

While it’s true most people tend to learn faster when they’re younger, it’s still entirely possible to learn how to swim if you’re a bit beyond the days of your youth. If this applies to you, the answer to the question posed above largely depends on how much time you can devote to swimming lessons—either professional ones or lessons that are more casual, such as if a friend or family member is doing the teaching. Factors that tend to affect the ability to swim include:

• General comfort or confidence in the water
• Consistency with your lessons
• Basic motor skills*
• The general quality of the instruction you’re receiving

*Even if you have mobility issues, it’s often possible to modify lessons so you can learn how to swim safely and with confidence.

Learning to Swim Starts with Basic Steps

Regardless of your age, the steps for learning how to swim are pretty much the same. The first step is simply gaining confidence in the water. For instance, some people have a natural fear of water that can make it more difficult to learn how to swim. The additional steps involved include:

• Learning the basics of common swimming styles and strokes
• Learning how to properly breathe in the water
• Practicing your technique
• Finding time to practice

You Can Make Practicing Fun

You can always include pool games and similar activities when you’re learning to swim. Not only is this fun, but it’s also a great way to give yourself added incentive to practice and become a better swimmer. You’ll also be able to have a lot of family fun at the same time, so it’s a win-win for everyone!

For people who want to keep learning throughout their lives while boosting their physical fitness levels, swimming can be an ideal activity. As a premier San Diego pool contractor, San Diego Pools can create a custom pool for you that offers a great way to exercise as well as a place to relax and get away from it all. Give us a call today at 888-707-7786.