Why is it that the harder you try to stay afloat, the faster you sink?

In this episode, we explore the "Instinctive Drowning Response", the biological trigger that forces you vertical, and the counter-intuitive science of letting go.

We discuss why your lungs are better than any kickboard, why "normal" breathing fails in the water, and the mental shift required to trust the water to hold you.

Topics Discussed:

• The "Instinctive Drowning Response" (Why you climb the ladder)

• The Physics of Buoyancy: Using your lungs as a buoy

• The "Starfish" Technique: Surface area matters

• Breathing Myths: Why holding your breath makes you sink

• From Vertical to Horizontal: The critical transition

• Open Water Safety: Buoys and precautions

Resources & Support:

⮕ 📖 Read the full guide: https://360swim.com/blog/when-i-feel-i-am-drowning-what-should-i-do

⮕ 🦺 Train safe with the right gear: https://shop.360swim.com

⮕ ❤️ Support the podcast: https://360swim.com/donate or send sats via ⚡ swmtr@getalby.com

Disclaimer:

Swimming in open water involves risk. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional swim instruction. Always swim with a buddy.

360swim Podcast: Audio for Swimmers 🎧

Choosing the right swimming lessons isn't as simple as signing up at the nearest pool. If you pick the wrong program, you risk wasting money, time, and getting frustrated, or worse, increasing your fear of the water.

In this episode, we break down the 5 essential steps to finding the perfect swim program. We discuss why you need to be brutally honest about your skill level, the pros and cons of Private vs. Group lessons, and the specific "Red Flags" to look for when watching a potential instructor.

💦 In this episode, we discuss: 💦

• 0:00 Intro: The "Decision Paralysis" of Swim Lessons

• 1:42 Step 1: The "Honesty Test" (Assessing your actual skills)

• 3:35 Step 2: Setting Realistic Goals (Avoid burnout)

• 5:02 Step 3: Self-Taught vs. Professional Coaching

• 6:00 Why online videos aren't enough (Unconscious Incompetence)

• 6:27 Step 4: The Great Debate: Private vs. Group Lessons

• 7:00 The "ROI" of swimming: Why paying more saves time

• 8:32 Step 5: How to spot a "Great" Instructor

• 9:19 The #1 Red Flag: Is the coach in the water?

• 10:48 Summary of the 5-Step Guide

• 12:00 Outro & Question of the Day

🎧 New podcast episodes are based on long-form articles from the 360swim blog, expanded with extra context.

Brought to you by 360swim™

➡️ Read the original article:

https://360swim.com/blog/how-to-choose-swimming-lessons

💬 The Debate:

What was your experience with swimming lessons? Did you have a coach who stood dry on the deck, or one who got in the water with you? Let us know in the comments.

🔥 More from 360swim:

⮕ 🏊 Free swim tips and tutorials: https://360swim.com/blog

⮕ 🦺 Train safe with the right gear: https://shop.360swim.com

⮕ ❤️ Support the channel: https://360swim.com/donate or send sats via ⚡ swmtr@getalby.com

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👊 Like, subscribe, and ask me anything in the comments.

#swimminglessons #learntoswim #swimcoach #swimmingtips #360swim #adultswimming

Audio Deep Dives for Swimmers.

If the thought of the deep end makes your heart race, or if you feel like you "sink like a rock" the moment you try to float, this episode is for you. We break down the psychology behind aquaphobia (fear of water) and why the "Tension Loop" is the real reason you can't float.

We discuss the 5 critical mindset shifts you need to make before you even get in the pool, why flotation aids might be making your fear worse, and the specific 3-step physical roadmap to go from panic to relaxation.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Mental Wall" of Swimming

• The "Tension Loop": Why Fear Makes You Sink

• Mindset 1: The Horizontal Position (Why we feel like falling)

• Mindset 2: Why Relaxation is Physics, not just a feeling

• Mindset 3: Why you should SKIP flotation gear

• Mindset 4: The Most Critical Rule (Breathing)

• Step 1: Getting Comfortable in Shallow Water

• Step 2: The Rhythm Drill (Blowing Bubbles)

• Step 3: Mastering the Float

• The Safe Stand-Up Technique (Crucial Safety Skill)

• Next Steps: Dead Man's Float & Streamlining

🎧 This podcast is based on long-form articles from the 360swim blog.

➡️ Read the full guide with diagrams:

https://360swim.com/blog/overcoming-my-fear-of-water-tips-for-beginners

🔥 More from 360swim:

• Free swim tips and tutorials: https://360swim.com/blog

• Train safe with the right gear: https://shop.360swim.com

• Support the show: https://360swim.com/donate

Disclaimer: Swimming can be dangerous. Always practice in a safe environment, preferably with a lifeguard or swim instructor present.