Underwater swimming is the art of swimming with the entire body submerged in the water. It is one of the most difficult swimming techniques to master. Underwater swimming requires a lot of breathing practice from the swimmer. Controlled breathing helps in performing this difficult task in an easier way. Underwater swimming has been part of the Olympics since 1900. Earlier it was not included because it did not generate a lot of interest in the audience as they were unable to see the swimmers who remained submerged in the water.

Underwater swimming technique can be mastered by following certain simple tips. Always more your legs in a paddle like motion. The paddle like motion should be performed in small movements. You must keep your legs straight and hold your toes together. Keep your toes pointed as it gives the longest line with the body. While doing underwater swimming one needs to pull themselves through the water. You can pull yourself by moving your arms in a breast stroke like manner. Another technique to perform underwater swimming is by coiling yourself as if trying to grab water in the breast stroke like fashion. You must keep your legs together and straight while elongating yourself while repeating the same motion.

Besides a good swimming technique one also requires an efficient means of breathing. It is important for your lungs to be filled with air before going underwater. It is not advisable to bloat yourself with air in one single breath. Instead take in two small breaths into the lower diaphragm. Finally take in a third and final breath slowly into your body holding it for a while to make yourself feel comfortable. You can easily manage 60 m of underwater swimming by using these swimming and breathing techniques.

Underwater swimming can mean different things for different people. For a scuba diver it can mean his bread and butter. It can have a relaxing feel to it as well by helping a diver enjoy the beauty of the under waters. It is also an important technique to know in case of emergencies. During floods and drowning knowing how to swim with the whole body submerged in water can help save your own life along with others.

Besides the above mentioned benefits, there are some disadvantages attached to it as well. It is not advisable to hold your breath for a very long time. This can increase the carbon dioxide inside the body to undesirable limits.

Swimming can be a difficult activity for some children to be able to do. However, you can work to bring your children to learn swimming. Much of it can be done before your child gets to any swimming lessons.

A good way to get your children to pick up swimming is to give exposure to swimming as soon as possible. It is generally advisable to introduce them to swimming lessons when your children are around four years old. This is the age when a child is usually ready to take lessons in various activities. At this age it may be easier for swimming lessons to be appropriately handled by a child. Lessons for beginners are usually recommended in this case.

Taking your children to swim along there friends will always be a good idea. In most cases, this will help them to learn swimming along with having fun.

If you choose to head out in the water to swim, you have to make sure that your reaction when you come in water should be positive and you should not be nervous or anxious about it.

Its one of the most important lessons you have to give yourself before asking your children to learn swimming. Kids will probably feel whatever you feel as they are too young to be sure of anything. If they see that even there parents are afraid of it, they will naturally feel the same way.

If the school, in which your child goes, provides swimming lessons, you should first of all check what all facilities are available. Some schools provide swimming programs in place of gym classes. Getting your child to learn swimming from there will be a good idea as a school always has a disciplined environment, thus ensuring your child’s safety.

Another thing that can be done is checking out if there is any swimming team in your vicinity. Check with your child if he/she is willing to participate in any recreational sports and if yes then check if any swimming teams is available. They can help your child to learn various types of swimming moves along with making him/her enjoy in water.

Make sure that you use these tips to make your child enjoy water. There are a lot of things which you can use to make them swim, be it swimming lessons or swimming activities in general.