It's never too late to learn to swim

Char Snyder

Special to the Village News

Most humans are afraid of the unknown. It is natural to avoid situations of which they are unsure. Be assured no matter how young or how experienced in life someone may be, there are rewards awaiting those who are willing to make the effort to learn to swim.

The best environment is warm water around 92 degrees. The sessions should be short, perhaps a half-hour and frequently, four or more times per week. Babies should be cared for one-on-one with the instructor for 15 minutes each day until they can join a class at around two and a half. Adults need time and encouragement. For some it takes longer than others but everyone can learn to enjoy the water experience. It is never too late or too early to learn to swim.

Every day I am faced with individuals that need to learn respect for the water and its intricacies. True, teaching swimming is a rewarding undertaking. Unlike other sports, swimming is a life-long endeavor. From birth to death, this skill is needed to recreate, enjoy and preserve life.

Along the way to becoming a skilled swimmer, many of life's lessons are available to learn. Living life in today's world is complicated; however, water is a constant. Water is powerful, and if not respected, it will take a life. These principles never change. If someone inhales water, they will choke.

Nevertheless, water provides many wonderful benefits. Warm water can be healing, comforting and exciting. Soaring like a bird, swimming like an alligator, or pretending to be a world class swimmer is all possible. The best part of swimming is that learning to swim is open to everyone.

It is never too early or too late for those that are willing to make the effort to learn to swim. Even those who have experienced trauma or have learning disabilities can be competent in the water. Swimming is a new adventure for the young and even those young-at-heart entering their 80s and 90s. Add a wonderful dimension to life: learn to swim.

For more information or to sign up for Char Snyder's Swim School, call (760) 688-6091.