|
Post by beachbum on Apr 16, 2016 17:23:32 GMT
I can float in any position, even standing up. I often just stand in the deep end of our pool while talking with friends. I don't have to move a muscle, don't have to tread water, I can just stand perfectly still and don't sink. I've always been able to do this, my father could do it, and my grandfather too. My dad called it our "Bahamian Fish Bladder" It's my hidden talent.
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Apr 16, 2016 19:53:23 GMT
We live in a state with very little wear. I made sure my kids could swim well. The consequences of not knowing how to swim are too extreme even if you don't plan on getting in water.
|
|
M in Carolina
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,128
Jun 29, 2014 12:11:41 GMT
|
Post by M in Carolina on Apr 16, 2016 20:26:10 GMT
I could float really effortlessly and also tread water very slowly for long periods before the MS--I love to swim but will never swim alone in a pool--like at the gym where there are people in the hot tub and around because of my muscle cramps from MS.
My dh, who was all skin and bones when he was young could also float like that. He was a boy scout and spent a lot of time in the water.
My parents lived at a lake when I was little and then on the waterways at the beach. My first lessons were at 6 months. I loved swimming and swam all the time. It was necessary for water and boating safety. (we always used life vests, but it's still really difficult to keep your head above water when the waves get choppy--and if you fell overboard in rough seas or your boat sank.
I think a big part of it is relaxing. I like giving people one of those little foam kick boards or a noodle or something to hang onto until they get the idea--they don't really need it, but they tend to relax.
My mom hated the water and didn't like swimming. She did try a few years ago since her gym had a pool, and she finally was able to float. She still doesn't swim because she doesn't like getting her hair wet.
|
|
milocat
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,443
Location: 55 degrees north in Alberta, Canada
Mar 18, 2015 4:10:31 GMT
|
Post by milocat on Apr 16, 2016 22:21:56 GMT
I can float with my legs out or down, arms out or even across my chest. I could float forever. My girls can't float and it amazes them that I can.
|
|
|
Post by birukitty on Apr 16, 2016 22:38:47 GMT
Of course I can float on my back. I thought everyone that can swim could float on their back. It's super easy to do-just lie back and put your head under water until your ears are covered. Let your body float up and that's it. You're floating. That's how I learned how to do it. I can do it for quite a while, it's very relaxing.
I can do it, DS can, I think DH can. Both sisters can, my brother can. My Dad still doesn't know how to swim, although he did try to teach himself with a book one time. He's taught himself how to do lots of things with books, but swimming I tell him isn't something you can learn with a book. I'm encouraging him to get private lessons at our local indoor pool. He's 76. My Mom can swim a little bit but isn't really comfortable in the water. She can't float in the water.
My uncle taught all 4 kids in my family (I'm the oldest) how to swim in my aunt's pool the summer I was 13. I took to the water like a fish. The water feels like my second home. I much prefer swimming in the ocean to a pool, especially where it's warm water and it's blue like the Caribbean.
Debbie in MD.
|
|
TXMary
Pearl Clutcher
And so many nights I just dream of the ocean. God, I wish I was sailin' again.
Posts: 2,818
Jun 26, 2014 17:25:06 GMT
|
Post by TXMary on Apr 16, 2016 22:48:05 GMT
I could float on my back forever. Makes my DH crazy because he immediately sinks. He basically has no body fat though and...well... I do.
|
|
grammanisi
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,741
Jun 26, 2014 1:37:37 GMT
|
Post by grammanisi on Apr 16, 2016 23:03:23 GMT
I don't know if someone already posted this, but my mom told me years(and years) ago that most males cannot float unless they are in salt water. My husband and my dad can't float the pool, but both can float in the ocean.
|
|
|
Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Apr 16, 2016 23:06:28 GMT
I am very comfortable in the water and can swim well. I am not much of a floater though. I can do it with some concentration and effort, but it's not relaxing. I much prefer a flotation device... gives me some place to put my drink, too! Haha.
|
|