No Experience? No Problem! Here’s Your Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve never been in the water before or feel nervous even thinking about swimming, you’re in the right place.
With the right steps, the right mindset, and a little consistency, you can learn how to swim even if you’re a total beginner.
Here’s everything you need to know to start your swimming journey with confidence, safety, and success.
Always Start Safe
Before anything else: never practice swimming alone.
Whether it’s a coach, friend, or lifeguard, always make sure you’ve got someone nearby, especially when you’re moving into deeper water. The pool is the perfect place to learn because it’s a controlled environment.
And trust us… a good pair of goggles will make your life a lot easier!
Step 1: Get Comfortable Entering the Water
Your first challenge isn’t swimming, it’s simply feeling comfortable in the water.
Take it slow. Use the pool stairs or grab the railing if needed.
Once you’re in, put on your goggles and try submerging yourself gently until the water reaches your shoulders.
Start by splashing your face or cupping water in your hands and gently washing your face. It may sound simple, but this helps your body adjust to the water.
Now, start blowing out through your nose while your face is wet. This helps build the habit of exhaling underwater.
Step 2: Learn to Submerge and Blow Bubbles
Once you’re good with splashing, it’s time to fully submerge.
Grab the pool wall for support. Take a breath, hold onto the wall, and dip your head under. Exhale gently through your nose and mouth. That’s your first underwater bubble!
It may take a few tries to get comfortable, but this is a huge step forward.
Step 3: Practice Floating with Support
Floating teaches you how your body moves in the water.
Start by holding the wall, face down, chin at water level, and start blowing bubbles.
Now, lift one leg… then the other. The goal is to feel your body lighten up and float.
When you’re ready, add a gentle flutter kick; straight legs, pointed toes. Go slow and steady.
Step 4: Push Off and Glide
Let’s take it up a notch!
Push gently off the wall, face down, and let your momentum carry you forward. Keep blowing bubbles and maintain that flutter kick.
Gliding like this builds your confidence and introduces you to forward movement in the water.
Step 5: Learn How to Stand Up Safely
Floating is fun… but you also need to know how to stand up from floating.
When you’re floating face down, bring your knees to your chest while pulling your arms down toward your sides. This motion helps you transition to standing.
Practice this until it feels natural.
Step 6: Master the Arm Pull
Before you jump into a full stroke, get a feel for how your arms move.
Hold the wall, kick gently, and practice a single arm pull underwater. Dip your fingers in, pull all the way back, and return your arm to the start.
Think about using your entire arm, not just your hand to move water.
Step 7: Add in Breathing with Rotation
Now that you’ve got the arm motion, it’s time to practice breathing.
At the wall, as you pull with one arm, rotate your head to the side so one eye and one ear stay in the water.
Take a quick breath, then return your face underwater and keep going.
Step 8: Put It All Together — Your First Freestyle Stroke
You’re ready for the big moment.
Away from the wall, glide forward with kicks, add in your arm pull, and breathe like you practiced.
Keep your eyes looking straight down, lifting your head makes your hips sink.
Reach long with your fingertips, pull with your whole arm, and stay relaxed.
It might feel awkward at first, but with consistency, you’ll be swimming before you know it.
Bonus Tip: Practice Makes Progress
No one masters swimming in a single day. The key is consistency.
Keep practicing each skill until it feels comfortable, even if that means repeating steps for a few sessions.
And when you’re ready for more, make sure you check out the How Not to Drown method, a proven system that’s helped thousands of beginners gain confidence and learn how to swim faster than they imagined.
I’m giving you full access to it, completely free. Why? Because I believe everyone deserves to feel safe in the water.
Your Swim Journey Starts Now
Learning to swim isn’t just about moving through the water — it’s about building confidence, resilience, and unlocking a skill that lasts a lifetime.
Stick with it, keep practicing, and enjoy every step of your swim journey.
If you have tips or want to share your story, drop a comment below!
