When
the beginner can float, he can easily start to paddle a little and make
some progress. Then he can turn on his side and learn the side stroke,
which is one of the best. Then he can turn on the face and learn various
strokes. This is not the approved way of learning to swim, but it is the
easiest and quickest way.
To float simply means to get into balance in the water. It is necessary
to arch the body, making the spine concave posteriorly, and bending the
neck well backward at first. In the beginning it is a great aid to fill
the lungs well and breathe rather shallow. This makes the body light in
the water. Tell the beginner that it does not make any difference
whether the feet sink or stay up. It is only necessary to keep the face
above water while floating. If there is the slightest tendency to sink,
bend the neck a little more, putting the head, farther back in the
water, instead of raising it, as most of the learners want to do.
Remember that the trunk and neck must be kept well arched, the head well
back in the water. The moment the beginner doubles up at waist or hips
or bends the neck forward, raising the head, he sinks.
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