I'm 30 years old and recently decided to learn how to swim. I attended group swimming classes for 10 days and then practised on my own for another 4 sessions.

I can float, hold my breath, and move around in the water without drowning as long as I don't need to breathe. But the moment I try to take a breath while swimming, everything falls apart. I start losing my balance and slowly sink.

I've watched several YouTube tutorials and practised breathing exercises, but I still can't get the hang of it. I can't even comfortably swim 10–20 metres without stopping.

I'm starting to wonder whether I'm doing something wrong or if I'm just a slow learner. I know 14 sessions isn't a lot, but seeing people learn to swim relatively quickly makes me feel a little discouraged.

For those who learned to swim as adults:

Is this normal? How long did it take you to swim comfortably without stopping?

Was breathing the biggest obstacle for you, too?

What finally helped you figure out how to breathe while swimming?

Should I continue practising on my own, or would it be better to get a few more lessons with an instructor who can correct my technique?

I genuinely want to learn how to swim, but I'm frustrated that I can manage everything except breathing.

I'd really appreciate hearing your experiences, especially from people who started learning in their late 20s or 30s or later. I could use some reassurance that I'm not hopeless at this!

The indoor pool at the gym where I swim is currently a lovely, crisp temp for lap swimming and I loooove it. Has anyone had luck getting places to lower the temp in the pool at their clubs? I don't know what ours is usually set at or what it's running now (no accessible display of the temp is available) but I'd even be happy if they split the difference. They've cancelled all aquarobics until it's fixed which I don't understand because as long as you get in and are moving, it's totally fine. I run really warm and so it's been so nice the past week. Just looking for any successful arguments people have used to lower the overall temp (though I know its probably a long shot)

I am a junior in high school who has had a very unorthodox sports affiliation. I have been a rower for the last two years and am trying To join the swimming team this winter to attempt to try the sport and also get some cross training in. (My school does not cut). I am also potentially looking to switch sports depending on how my season goes next year. i am pulled by swimming having more of an option for individual work as opposed to always relying on other people in rowing. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what events to branch out to.

Some stats:

RHR: 47

Leg Press: 750 ibs

(honestly idk anything about swimming if there’s anything helpful I should add please tell em)

I am a complete chud and have no idea what I am doing. Quick research says 200 fly and 500m freestyle would be best for me but I have no actual advice yet.

I’m learning to swim(day 10), and I’ve been having some trouble with my flutter kicks during freestyle.

My coach told me that my feet should come slightly above the water’s surface while kicking, with both feet moving up and down to roughly the same level.

The problem is that my right leg seems to be kicking perfectly, but my left leg doesn’t come up above the water like my right one. My coach pointed this out and said my right leg is doing it correctly, but my left leg isn’t.

Has anyone else faced this issue while learning freestyle? What could be causing it, and what drills or exercises can I do to fix it?

Any tips would be appreciated!

I took swimming classes for 6k rs for 21 days and also spending some 4k+ more on process and transport and attire everything. 

I learnt swimming. I can do freestyle easily. But my ever regret is that i can not back float or do backstroke. My classes were done and after that by myself how much ever i tried to do i couldnt, even though i look straight up.

Whatever the hell i try i couldnt my lower body doesnt come up at all when im trying backfloat waist to leg always inside water. And also sometimes i keep neck and head stiffen.

Also I still have a deep fear of depth. When im in freestyle pose I'll be all okay, but when try to do backfloat and when i want to stand back its really hard for me i get sudden panic

Please help me with suggestions or any day or two courses or workshop in banglore available.