Basic Skills in Swimming for Beginners to Learn Fast

Learning the basic skills in swimming is very important, especially if you're new to the water. These skills help you stay safe, feel calm, and move with ease. They also teach you how to float, breathe, kick, and stay above water. They give you the confidence to enjoy swimming without fear. Even if you only know a few strokes, these basic steps can help you stay safe in pools, rivers, and the sea. Above all, they help you stay strong and relaxed whenever you swim.

At Dauin Diving Center, we help beginners of all ages build strong swimming habits. We teach each skill step by step so it's easy to learn. Our swimming lessons happen in calm, clear waters, which is perfect for learning. Whether you're young or old, knowing the basics can make your swimming fun and safe.

10 Basic Skills in Swimming

1. Floating: The First Step to Swimming Safety

One of the most important basic skills in swimming is learning how to float. Floating keeps your body on the surface and helps you breathe easily. It also helps you stay calm when you feel scared in the water. In other words, floating gives you time to think, rest, or ask for help if needed. Above all, it teaches you to trust the water and your own body.

Floating is also one of the key basic survival skills in swimming. When you know how to float, you can stay safe even if you get tired. This skill is very helpful in pools, rivers, or the ocean. So, everyone should learn how to float first before trying other strokes or dives.

How to Float: Step-by-Step for Beginners

Step 1: Stay calm and breathe

Take a deep breath and keep your body loose. Try to relax your arms, legs, and shoulders.

Step 2: Lean back slowly

Tilt your head back so your ears touch the water. Look at the sky or ceiling to help stay still.

Step 3: Stretch your arms and legs

Spread your arms and legs out like a starfish. This helps you stay balanced and float better.

Step 4: Let your body rise

Trust that your body will float. After that, keep breathing slowly and don’t move too much.

Step 5: Practice with support

Use a float or ask someone to help. In addition, try floating for a few seconds, then try again for longer each time.

Tips for Kids and Adults

• Start in shallow water with an adult or coach nearby.

• Use a pool noodle or board at first if needed.

• Keep your eyes open to feel more relaxed.

• In addition, always practice in a safe and quiet place.

• Try floating with music or soft counting to stay calm.

To build your water confidence, explore our diving and courses rates. Our lessons help you go from floating to diving with ease.

2. Breathing Control: Learning to Breathe the Right Way

Breathing the right way is one of the most helpful basic skills in swimming. It helps you stay calm, swim longer, and feel safe in the water. In other words, learning how to breathe with your nose and mouth makes swimming easier and more fun. Above all, it keeps your body steady and your mind focused while swimming.

The importance of basic skills in swimming like breathing control is huge. If you don’t breathe right, you might get tired too fast or feel nervous. So, practicing how to breathe in and out while swimming should always come first for beginners.

How to Breathe with Nose and Mouth

Breathe in through your mouth:
When your head is above water, open your mouth and take a big, slow breath.

Breathe out through your nose or mouth:
Put your face in the water and slowly blow out. You can blow bubbles through your nose or mouth—both ways work well.

Practice slowly:
After that, try doing this a few times while standing in the water. Keep it slow and steady.

Easy Breathing Drills for Beginners

Drill 1: Bubble blowing
Stand in shallow water. Take a breath, put your face in the water, and blow bubbles out. Do this five times.

Drill 2: Head turns
Hold onto the pool edge. Put your face in the water. Turn your head to the side, breathe in, then back in the water to blow out.

Drill 3: Inhale and glide
Take a deep breath, push off the wall, and glide with your face in the water. Then stand up and breathe again. Repeat five times.

In addition, try doing these drills for 10 minutes each day. They help you feel more comfortable and ready to swim. If you’re excited to explore marine life, you’ll enjoy learning about the harlequin shrimp—a colorful sea creature found in the waters of Dauin.

3. Kicking: Moving Through the Water Easily

One of the basic skills in swimming is learning how to kick the right way. Kicking helps you move across the water without using too much energy. In other words, your legs act like paddles, keeping you afloat and helping you swim in a straight line. So, when your legs kick strong and steady, it’s easier to stay balanced in the pool or ocean.

There are two easy kicks that beginners should learn—flutter kicks and frog kicks. Flutter kicks are small, fast movements. You keep your legs straight and kick up and down. Frog kicks are wider and slower. You bend your knees, push your legs out, then bring them back together—just like a frog. Both help with balance and movement, which is why they are part of the 10 basic skills in swimming that everyone needs to know.

Why Kicking Helps You Swim Better

Kicking keeps your body from sinking. It also helps you stay flat on the water, which makes swimming feel smoother. For instance, when you kick the right way, your body stays straight, and your head stays above water. This is why kicking is one of the most important basic survival skills in swimming.

To practice, hold onto the pool wall and try flutter kicks for 15 seconds. After that, rest and try frog kicks while lying on your back. In addition, using a kickboard can help you focus on your legs without worrying about your arms.

Once you feel strong in the water, it’s time to discover the underwater treasures waiting in Dauin. These are some of the best dive spots in the Philippines and perfect for new explorers.

4. Arm Movement: Learning to Reach and Pull

When we ask what are the basic skills in swimming, arm movement is always one of the top answers. Your arms help you reach forward, pull the water, and glide. Also, strong arms help you swim longer without getting tired. They work together with your legs to keep your body steady in the water.

Two of the best arm strokes to learn first are freestyle and breaststroke. In freestyle, you move one arm at a time, reaching forward, then pulling the water back. In breaststroke, both arms move together in a circle. After that, you glide before repeating the stroke. These moves are key parts of the 10 basic skills in swimming and help you swim smoothly and safely.

Tips to Build Strength and Control

To make your arm strokes better, start slow and steady. Focus on stretching your arms out as far as they can go. For instance, reaching longer helps you go farther with each stroke. In addition, keep your fingers together so your hands push more water.

Practicing with a small ball or doing wall push-ups can help build your strength. You can also swim short laps and count how many strokes it takes to reach the end. Fewer strokes mean better control. This is a great way to grow your skills, especially for basic survival skills in swimming.

Once your arms are strong, you’ll enjoy exploring deeper waters. At Dauin Diving Center, you can discover scuba diving and see amazing things under the sea. It’s a fun way to use everything you've learned.

5. Gliding: Staying Smooth in the Water

Gliding is one of the most helpful parts of the 10 basic skills in swimming. It happens after you push off the wall or finish a stroke. Your body stays stretched and still as you move through the water. In other words, gliding helps you rest while still moving forward. So, it saves energy and makes your swimming feel smooth and easy.

When you glide, your arms stay straight in front, your legs are close together, and your head is in line with your body. This position helps you cut through the water like a fish. Gliding helps you learn control, balance, and rhythm. These are all important when learning what are the basic skills in swimming.

Fun Gliding Exercises for Kids

Glide and Hold:
Push off the wall and glide as far as you can. Count how many seconds you can stay still before you stop. Try to beat your time each round.

Star Glide:
Start by floating like a starfish. Then bring your arms together and push off the wall. Glide with arms stretched out and legs straight. After that, stand up slowly when you stop moving.

Push and Breathe:
Push off the wall and glide. Take one deep breath before starting, then glide without moving. This drill also teaches breath control—another key part of the basic skills in swimming.

In addition, these gliding games are fun and safe ways for kids to build water skills. They help with timing, control, and the importance of basic skills in swimming.

6. Treading Water: Staying Afloat Without Moving Forward

Treading water is one of the most important basic skills in swimming. It helps you stay in one place while keeping your head above water. In other words, you’re not swimming forward—you’re just floating upright by moving your arms and legs. This skill is very helpful when you're in deep water and can't touch the bottom. So, knowing how to tread water keeps you safe while you rest, wait, or look around.

This is also one of the top basic survival skills in swimming. For instance, if you get tired in the ocean or a deep pool, treading water gives you time to breathe and think clearly. It can help you stay calm until someone helps or until you're ready to swim again. Above all, it builds your confidence in deep water, which is a big part of learning what are the basic skills in swimming.

How to Tread Water: Simple Steps

• Keep your body upright in the water, not flat.

• Move your arms in small circles near your chest to help you float.

• Kick your legs up and down or do a gentle scissor kick.

• Breathe slowly and try to stay calm.

• Practice in deep water with someone nearby. Start with 10 seconds and add more time each try.

In addition, practice with a float or noodle if you're just starting out. That way, you feel safer while learning.

Why Treading Water Is Worth Learning

Treading water may seem hard at first, but it gets easier with practice. It's a big part of the 10 basic skills in swimming and teaches control and calmness. It also shows the importance of basic skills in swimming because it helps save energy when you're in deep water.

7. Safe Entry and Exit: How to Get In and Out of Water Properly

Learning how to enter and exit the water the right way is one of the most important basic skills in swimming. It keeps you safe from slips, falls, and accidents. For instance, when you're at a pool, beach, or on a boat, you need to know where to step, how to move slowly, and how to hold on. So, being careful at the start and end of every swim keeps everyone safe and happy.

This skill is also part of the 10 basic skills in swimming and teaches good habits right from the beginning. It shows the importance of basic skills in swimming, especially for young kids who are just learning to feel safe near water. In addition, parents can help by showing and guiding their kids with simple steps.

Checklist

Pool Entry

• Use the stairs or ladder, not the edge.

• Hold the rail with one hand.

• Step in slowly, one foot at a time.

Pool Exit

• Swim to the ladder or side.

• Place both hands on the edge.

• Push up with your arms, then lift one leg at a time.

Beach Entry

• Walk in, don’t run.

• Watch for waves and shells.

• Hold hands with an adult if you’re a beginner.

Beach Exit

• Turn your body to face the beach.

• Walk slowly back.

• Look out for strong waves or deep dips.

Boat Entry

• Always wear a life vest.

• Use the ladder or steps.

• Go in with help from an adult.

Boat Exit

• Hold onto the boat rail or ladder.

• Step up with both feet.

• Move slowly to avoid slipping.

8. Backstroke Basics

The backstroke is one of the most relaxing strokes to learn when practicing the basic skills in swimming. It helps you float on your back while moving through the water. In other words, you can swim without putting your face in the water, which makes breathing easier. So, it's perfect for beginners who want to stay calm while learning to swim.

This stroke is part of the 10 basic skills in swimming and is very helpful for safety and comfort. It gives swimmers a way to move when they feel tired or scared. Also, it’s a great way to rest while still swimming forward.

How to Swim Backstroke: Simple Steps

• Lie on your back in the water with your face looking up.

• Stretch your arms straight above your head.

• Move one arm at a time in a big circle.

• Kick your legs up and down in small, steady motions.

• Keep your body straight and breathe slowly the whole time.

In addition, make sure your arms don’t splash too hard. Keep everything smooth and even. This helps you stay balanced and feel safe in the water.

Why Backstroke Is Great for Breathing and Balance

Since your face stays above the water, it’s easy to breathe during backstroke. This makes it a good choice for new swimmers. It also teaches control, which is part of the importance of basic skills in swimming. For instance, you can use the backstroke when you're tired but still need to keep moving.

Above all, learning strokes like this gives you more ways to stay safe, which is a big part of the basic survival skills in swimming and understanding what are the basic skills in swimming.

9. Survival Swimming Techniques for Open Water in the Philippines

Swimming in the ocean is different from swimming in a pool. You may face strong waves, deeper water, and changing currents. So, knowing basic skills in swimming helps you stay safe in these open waters. In other words, when you understand the ocean, you can enjoy it more and worry less.

In the Philippines, many people love swimming in the sea, especially near beaches and islands. That’s why learning basic survival skills in swimming is so important here. It helps you stay calm and safe if something unexpected happens, like getting pulled by a current or swimming too far out.

Floating and Treading Water

Always know how to float and tread water. These are two of the most important skills in case you need to rest while waiting for help.

Swimming Parallel to the Shore

If caught in a current, don’t swim straight back. Instead, swim sideways until you’re out of the current. This uses less energy and keeps you from getting tired.

Controlled Breathing

Breathe slowly to stay calm. This helps your body move better and keeps your mind focused.

Wearing Bright Swim Gear

Wear something bright so others can see you. In addition, always tell someone before you go swimming in open water.

Before you get in the water, it’s smart to learn the safety rules. These rules help keep you and your family safe. In other words, safety starts even before swimming begins. So, knowing these rules is a big part of the basic skills in swimming.

Learning how to be safe around water also shows the importance of basic skills in swimming. It teaches you how to spot danger, stay calm, and protect yourself and others. Above all, following rules helps everyone enjoy the water without fear.

• Always swim with an adult or buddy

• Look for lifeguards and swim in safe areas

• Never run near the pool—walk slowly

• Ask permission before getting in the water

• Don’t push or play rough near water

• Wear life jackets if you’re still learning

• Know where the deep and shallow parts are

• Stay out of the water during storms or strong waves

• Take breaks to rest and drink water

• Learn how to float, kick, and tread water

In addition, teach these rules often. Talk about them at home or before every swim. Practice makes these rules easy to remember.

10. Water Safety Rules

Key Takeaway

Learning the basic skills in swimming helps you stay safe, feel confident, and enjoy the water more. These skills include floating, breathing, kicking, and knowing how to move your arms and legs. In other words, each skill gives you the power to swim smart and safe in pools, lakes, and the ocean. So, whether you're swimming for fun or learning for the first time, these skills are your foundation.

In addition, practicing these skills often helps you become a stronger swimmer over time. Knowing what to do before, during, and after swimming makes every trip to the water safer and more fun. Above all, if you’re ready to start your swimming journey or want more help, contact us today. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

FAQs

What are the basic skills in swimming?

The basic skills in swimming include floating, breathing, kicking, and moving your arms. These skills help you stay safe and feel comfortable in the water. In other words, they are the first things every swimmer should learn.

Why are basic swimming skills important?

These skills help you swim safely and stay calm if something unexpected happens. Also, they help you build confidence as you learn more. Every strong swimmer starts with the basics.

Can kids learn the basic skills quickly?

Yes, kids can learn these skills with practice and support. For instance, simple drills and games help make learning fun and easy. A calm setting helps a lot, too.

How can I practice the basic skills in a pool?

You can use floats, kickboards, or practice near the pool wall. In addition, short daily sessions help improve skills faster. Always practice with someone nearby for safety.

Where can I learn these swimming skills?

You can learn the basic skills in swimming from a swim coach or trusted training center. Above all, look for lessons that focus on safety, step-by-step learning, and fun.