Learn To Swim As An Adult | Episode 1

56% of the world's population can't swim. Harry is one of them. Join us as we help Harry build confidence in the pool as he aims to overcome his fear of water. In this video, we tackle the basics. From building confidence to introducing swimming technique, Harry smashes every challenge we set him.

00:00 Meet our beginner swimmer
01:40 Getting in the pool
06:15 Going under-water
07:50 Letting go of the side
08:30 Feet off the pool floor
09:33 kicking your legs
10:45 Removing floats
12:13 How to float
15:13 Adding the kicks

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Share your beginner swim tips in the comments 👇

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Photos: © Triathlon / Getty Images

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Share your beginner swimming tips in the comments 🏊

[flatini]

I started swimming at the age of 42 for three reasons. Firstly, I was motivated by your videos. Secondly, I was concerned about not being able to reach my daughters while they swam far from the shore. And thirdly, 42 is considered the answer to the life, the universe, and everything. Last summer, I swam alongside my daughters, and the experience felt amazing.

[andrewmcalister]

Huge respect for Harry in not just facing his fears about the pool, but in being prepared to do so on camera. 🤜🤛

[lifestylelucy]

Learning to swim as an adult is not easy. It's time consuming and can be expensive, it took me about 3 years (and interrupted by COVID) to be confident to swim from the pool to open water but it is honestly one of the best investments I have made for myself. It took a lot of patience, consistency, facing my fears and a lot of 5am winter mornings in a cold pool to get there but I'm glad I learned. Still have a long way to go in terms of fixing my form and being more efficient but I'm glad that I can enjoy vacations more and I have the basic survival skills.

[dontmindme]

i'm 26 and started learining just 3 days ago. i always had the fear of water and today I floated first time without any equipment and support.

[kasplantje]

I think it's underrated how good Mark is a coaching people to get to their goals. Last week I saw the: Journey to Roth Pt. 1 and it the coaching there is also great. Well done Mark.

[IAMNationX]

I am 46 and never learned to swim after being pushed into a pool when i was very young, sunk to the bottom and had to be rescued. It is on my bucket list of things to do/learn and fear face.

[shihuachin]

Damn. Who is cutting onions in here? Did not expect to get emotional watching this. So happy for him to get past his fears

[Chesh]

Did anyone else cheer when Harry pushed off without the float?
It’s opened up a world of opportunities for him and his daughter, and he should be super proud of himself!
Well done to Mark and GTN for doing this. Can’t wait to see more!

[scottgray]

As someone who learnt to swim as an adult during covid I can absolutely empathise with Harry. I missed out on holidays swims with my daughter, got mocked at school swim lessons etc. I couldnt put my head under the water, couldnt let go of the side and couldnt even float on my back. It's been the single hardest thing I've ever done and it takes a long time. Progress will not be linear but stick with it. 3-4 years on and I'm swimming 4 times a week doing 8-9000m and progressing to open water.

[chumph]

One of, if not the most inspiring videos you’ve done.


Fair play to Harry for being so open and honest in where he was but also showing such persistence and strength in overcoming his fear.

Just shows with the right support (which was next level) and time you can do it! Looking forward to the next one!

[pbjorklund]

The bravery required to put yourself on film as a true beginner like this is amazing. Well done!

[tqueen]

I am 63 and taking swimming lesson for the first time.! This video really encourages me to continue. Pray for me😊

[felishawood]

I learned how to swim at 35 years old from videos on this channel. It took me 6 weeks to stop panicking in the water, but I'm so thankful I didn't give up. Learning how to relax and breathe while swimming also taught me how to breathe while running, and I FINALLY unlocked both skills. Watching this video got me emotional along with Harry, as I reflect on how far I've come. Thanks for sharing his journey!

[innesdunbar]

What progress in one lesson, really brave of Harry to do this, even more to do it on camera! Really supportive teaching by Mark, a really good video for GTN to make. Hopefully someone watching will pluck up the courage to start learning after watching this. Nice work GTN.

[blowtorch]

My wife is/was learning to swim as an adult. She has had a few goes at it before, over the years, but it never clicked. Learning as an adult is hard.

Her current coach, however, seems to be doing everything right, and this past Wednesday, for the first time ever, she came home and said, "I can swim". Am so happy for her ☺

[robbiegreenslade]

Ultimate respect for Harry. So much courage to want to overcome a life long fear. Set himself a tough challenge and took it head on. That’s awesome. 🙌

[lendial]

Love how gentle and patient he was with Harry.

[gillianpritchard]

I could cry, Harry made amazing progress and Mark is such an understanding empathetic teacher. Can't wait for episode 2.

[MrMulrine]

I learnt to swim just after COVID. I started in the corner of the pool blowing bubbles, progressing to sinking mushrooms and then swimming slow lengths. Slow progressive steps is key. It needs to be done at the learners pace, in a controlled environment and allowing breaks or even regression. The moment you become uncomfortable it's buggered.
I learnt by following some of the older videos from GTN and they were really helpful. I've gone from being a non-swimmer to comfortably swimming 2k 3 times a week at a decent pace. I now do a lot of stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, sea swimming and snorkelling. Thanks to GTN for helping get me to where I am now.