Tips for Getting Back in the Water
by Kelyn Perry, Program Assistant and Swim Instructor at Recreational Sports
Planning on getting back into the water soon? With some rivers, beaches and lakes beginning to open back up, now’s a great time to review some swim and water safety guidelines to ensure that you and others around you remain safe, while enjoying your choice of water activities.
Those first few weeks back into the pool can often seem extremely exhausting, not only physically but mentally. It’s widely assumed that for every week you are away from the pool, you need a week to get back to where you were developmentally. But don’t focus on getting back to where you were, or how long it’s going to take you to get back into your form. Instead, take it day by day in order to continually build back your strength and stamina, while focusing on redeveloping good swimming habits.
Setting realistic goals is a sure way to avoid injury and frustration as you attempt to get back to your true form. It’s important that you track and measure the progress you make, while celebrating small “wins” at the end of each week. Remember that it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Visit MySwimPro’s top training plans to help you reach your swimming goals.
Haven’t been in a pool for a long time? Start by reviewing the basics. No matter how advanced of a swimmer you are, if you have not been swimming regularly, it’s best to start by practicing your front crawl and breaststroke and work up from there. You don’t want to start too ambitiously and disappoint or hurt yourself!
There is safety in numbers. Swimming with a buddy is a great way to ensure that you stay safe in the water. Avoid entering the water alone, especially if you are not a strong swimmer, and maintain adequate visual distancing practices with your group.
Visit the RecSports website to stay in the know about reopening plans. In the meantime, check out our Stay Home, Stay Active page for some exercises that can help you stay fit outside of the pool.
About the Author
Kelyn Perry is a student program assistant and swim instructor for the Instructional Program at UT Recreational Sports, where she helps to oversee the management, scheduling and administration of group and private adult and youth swim lessons hosted at the Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex .
