After being a Swimming Instructor for over 15 years, I’ve taught hundreds of adults to learn to swim.

During this time I’ve seen most of them make the same mistakes in the pool.

The good news is that these common mistakes can be simply corrected so the swimmer then becomes a confident swimmer with good technique. 

In this blog, I’ll share the 5 common mistakes adult beginners make in the swimming pool and how to avoid them. 

1️⃣ Skipping warm-up: Many adult beginners may overlook the importance of warming up before their swim session. Warm-up exercises not only help prepare your body for physical activity by increasing blood flow to your muscles and joints but also allow your body to adapt to the water. Take a few minutes before your swim lesson to perform the basic exercises to adapt your body to the water. 

2️⃣ Breath control: One of the most important things to do when first learning to swim is to master your breath control. While this might seem a very easy task, it can actually take time and some effort. But if this task isn’t achieved, it’ll slow down the process going forward. Taking swimming lessons from a qualified Swimming Instructor helps you to learn the correct breathing technique. 

3️⃣ Incorrect body position: Another common mistake adult beginners make is maintaining an incorrect body position in the water. This can include swimming with a stiff, straight body or allowing your hips and legs to sink way below the surface. To swim efficiently, aim to keep your body in a horizontal position, with your head, hips, and heels aligned. Engage your core muscles to help you stay balanced and streamline your movements through the water.

4️⃣ Over-kicking or under-kicking: Finding the right balance with your leg movements can be tricky for adult beginners. Some may overcompensate by kicking too much, while others may not kick enough. Both of these mistakes can lead to wasted energy and inefficient propulsion through the water. Instead, focus on using a smooth and rhythmic kick, keeping your legs relaxed. Your kick should come from your hips, with small, gentle movements that complement your arm strokes.

5️⃣ Holding onto the pool edge: It's natural to feel nervous when starting swimming lessons and many adult beginners may find themselves clinging to the pool edge for support. While holding onto the edge can provide a sense of security, it can also prevent you from fully engaging with your swim lesson and developing your skills. At Swim Max, we teach you the correct swimming technique without flotation aids so you gain confidence right from the beginning of your swimming journey. Also, our swimming instructors are in the water with you for extra support.

By being aware of these common mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you can progress more quickly and confidently on your swimming journey. 

At Swim Max, we offer both Adult Group Swimming Lessons and Adult Private Swimming Lessons so we can help you avoid these common mistakes. 

During your swimming lessons remember to stay patient, be positive, and most importantly, have fun in the water!