essay about swimming class

‘Learning To Swim At 24 Taught Me An Important Life Lesson’

Assistant editor Naydeline Mejia shares how she came to peace with the water.

It was the summer of 2018. My sister, cousin, and I were aboard a motorboat with seven other wide-eyed tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the sunken statues off the coast of Isla Mujeres, Mexico. As we pulled away from the beach, I watched the celeste-hued water transform into a midnight blue and realized I could no longer rely on my fragile safety net—the knowledge that I’d be able to see my feet on the ocean floor. This was deep sea.

After about 15 minutes, our captain stopped the vessel and began to distribute the essentials alongside his assistant: life jackets, flippers, and goggles.

“Anyone who wants to get in and see the statues, now’s your chance,” he announced in Spanish, our shared mother tongue.

While I’m aware of the human body’s natural buoyancy in saltwater, I’m also conscious that the ocean will not hesitate to swallow one whole at the first sign of fear. In other words, I wasn’t about to risk it.

I’ve never been a particularly strong swimmer.

While I'd participated in an entire year of swimming lessons in the sixth grade—a rare opportunity for a low-income Black girl attending a West Bronx public school—sometime between the start of puberty and the beginning of adulthood, I had become increasingly aware of my own mortality. For me, this awareness largely manifested in a fear of drowning. When it comes to water-based activities, I prefer to stand comfortably in the shallow end.

And so, one by one, my boat mates made their way into the water. But I stayed onboard. As my family members and the other tourists followed the captain to see the life-sized sculptures which sat 30 feet under the surface, I began to viciously sob—failing miserably to hide my shame from the deckhand watching me as I swallowed my own salty tears.

I’ve always felt a deep connection to bodies of water . Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I search for a waterfront—a rarity in my concrete jungle home of New York City. My affinity also makes sense, since being in or near water has been linked to a reduction in stress, alleviated anxiety, and a boost in overall mood, according to licensed therapist Shontel Cargill, LMFT.

Yet, the visceral pain I felt that day from not being able to jump freely into the water is not something even I truly grasp. It felt like I’d tapped into a deep source within me—an ancestral struggle, almost. It was like I could hear the synchronous wails produced by my collective bloodline, begging for freedom from the forces that kept them shackled to the island of La Española—fearing yet worshiping the water gods.

It’s a common racist trope that Black people can’t swim.

But it’s hard to ignore this one’s startling reality. Nearly 64 percent of African-American children have no to low swimming ability, compared to 45 percent of Hispanic children and 40 percent of Caucasian children, according to USA Swimming . Moreover, Black children drown at rates three times higher than white children, per the CDC .

And it's not just children who are affected. Black people, in general, drown at higher rates than any other demographic, says Paulana Lamonier, the founder and CEO of Black People Will Swim , a mission-based program empowering Black and brown people to be more confident in the water. I first learned about Paulana and her mission after reading a feature on her on CNBC , and knew that when I decided to begin my swim journey, it would be with her.

“The reason why it’s important for us to teach people these life-saving skills is simply that: because it is a life-saving skill,” she tells me. “We’re really giving people that chance to dream again; the chance and opportunity for freedom. When you’re on vacation, you no longer have to sit poolside—you don’t have to be scared to jump.”

Twenty minutes past noon on Saturday, May 20, 2023, I went to my first swim class.

I arrived at CUNY York College’s Health and Physical Education Building where classes for Black People Will Swim’s spring 2023 program were being held. By the time I reached the 25-meter swimming pool, class was already in session.

Paulana, a warm yet commandeering figure, was teaching the class, and invited me to join. As I slowly and awkwardly slid my way into the pool's shallow end, I took in the expressions around me. There was a variety of ages in our adult-beginner course, which was made up of all Black women. Young 20-somethings, like myself, women in their 30s and 40s, and even a few Aunties—elders, often mature women over the age of 50.

Our first lesson started with a breath. We were to learn how to breathe underwater.

One by one, Paulana went around asking each of us to hop down into a squat until our fingertips touched the pool floor. Once there, rather than sucking in air through our nostrils, we were to expel that air by blowing bubbles—holding in the remaining oxygen in our mouths. When my hands touched the bottom of that pool and I was surrounded by blue I felt—if only for a second—at home. If only I could breathe underwater , I thought, I would never leave .

“The water was like my getaway,” says Maritza McClendon , a 2004 Olympic silver medalist and the first Black female to make the U.S. Olympic swim team. “Every time I get in the water, I’m in my happy place—I’m in my element.”

McClendon—who, after being diagnosed with scoliosis, began swimming at the age of six per her doctor’s recommendation—has always found solace in the water, even when the pressures of competitive swimming weighed her down.

"When I got in the pool, it was like I went into an oasis and forgot about everything—it was just me and the water.”

As I re-emerged from the pool after that first drill, I suddenly became aware of my senses. The silence from being submerged disappeared, and I was met with the noises around me.

To my right, one of my classmates—an older woman perhaps in her mid-60s to early 70s—was holding onto the edge, quietly blowing bubbles to herself as the rest of the class moved onto the next lesson.

I pondered what experience may have caused her to develop this palpable fear, and ultimately lead her here today. I also wanted to grab her hand and walk her to the middle of the pool, so we could float together like two otters, holding on tight to ensure the other wouldn't float too far away, and she could share some of the joy I felt.

The truth is, part of the reason why many Black and brown Americans don’t know how to swim today is a result of racial and class discrimination.

“There were two times when swimming surged in popularity—at public swimming pools during the 1920s and 1930s and at suburban swim clubs during the 1950s and 1960s. In both cases, large numbers of white Americans had easy access to these pools, whereas racial discrimination severely restricted Black Americans’ access,” wrote Jeff Wiltse, a historian and author of Contested Waters: A Social History of Swimming Pools in America , in a 2014 paper published in the Journal of Sport and Social Issues .

The systemic impairing of Black Americans’ ability to swim—thanks to poorly maintained and unequal swimming pools, private clubs that barred Black members, and public pool closures in the wake of desegregation—meant that swimming became a “self-perpetuating recreational and sports culture” for white Americans, says Wiltse. Black communities struggled to literally and metaphorically get a foot in.

“[Swimming] is a predominantly white sport,” says McClendon. (FYI: Of the 331,228 USA Swimming members, less than 5 percent are Black or African American, according to the 2021 Membership Demographics Report .)

“Growing up, I was definitely one of the few at every single swim meet, and even on my swim team,” McClendon recounts. “As early as nine years old, I remember finishing a race in which I got first, and walking past a parent who said, ‘You should go back and do track or basketball. What are you doing here?’ Sort of questioning why I was in the sport. If anyone else would’ve won the race, they would’ve been congratulating them.”

While most of McClendon’s career spans the 1990s and early 2000s, she says instances like this still happen today.

I missed the next three weeks of classes, so by the time I walked into my second swim session, I felt energized yet daunted.

As soon as I got in the pool, I asked my classmates about their reasons for joining the Black People Will Swim program.

One woman shared that she wanted to learn how to swim because she’s the only one in her family that couldn't and she had a seven-month-old son: “If he’s drowning, I want to be able to save him,” she tells me.

The second woman I spoke to said almost drowning twice pushed her to want to learn.

Unsurprisingly, most of these reasons pertain to survival. Swimming , at the end of the day, is a skill needed to live; it’s an ability and privilege that so many take for granted.

At the start of that second class, I was anxious. I had missed so much during my time away, and we were at the point of the program where everyone was expected to navigate the 14-foot end of the pool. Our first lesson of the day: butterfly backstrokes. I tried my best to prolong my turn by generously offering that my other classmates go ahead of me, but eventually I had to go.

As I positioned my feet on the wall, held onto the edge of the pool, and laid my head back, I silently repeated to myself, You got this! You are a child of the water. You will not drown. “Ready?” asked the instructor who was teaching my class. With one deep breath, off I went.

As soon as I started kicking my feet and pushing the water forward with my arms, I was making headway. It felt so natural, like muscle memory. Perhaps those middle school swim lessons did teach me something. After about five strokes, I was ordered to stop so the next person could demonstrate if they were ready to move on to the next step.

Swimming is easy enough when you know you can safely land on your feet the moment you start to panic, but once the depth of the pool is above my own height (at 5'4"), I no longer feel at ease. So you can imagine my nervousness when the instructor said we were about to backstroke the entire 25-meter pool.

As I prepared for that feat on the wall, I recounted the memory of that fateful summer of 2018, when I was too afraid to jump off the boat without a lifejacket. Then there was another memory: 11-year-old Naydeline, unafraid to jump into the deep end. Instead, exhilarated by it.

“Ready?” asked the instructor.

Off I went, rapidly backstroking across that 25-meter pool. I was making headway, but as I reached the 12-meter mark, I stopped. I was beginning to swallow water, and the chlorine-tinged liquid filling my throat made me panic. I was no longer swimming, but sinking. I quickly grabbed the nearest lane rope to stabilize myself.

“What happened?” asked my instructor. “You were doing so well.”

“I panicked,” was all I could say. The intrusive thoughts had started to pour in as soon as I sensed the depth of the pool change from six feet to eight feet to 10 feet: You’re drowning, you’re drowning, you’re drowning , and my anxiety took over.

It took a few seconds to catch my breath, but then I turned to face the deep end of the pool. I realized there was no getting out of this—I had to keep going. With my instructor situated behind me to catch me if I began to drown, I shut my eyes and inhaled for three counts, exhaled for three counts, again and again. Ready?

I was off once more. I didn’t stop until I hit the end of the pool.

A month after the end of the swim program, I headed out on a trip to the island of Aruba.

The schedule was filled with walking tours, parasailing, and an exploration of one of the island’s many natural pools.

The author parasailing off a boat at Palm Beach, Aruba.

On the second to last day, we kayaked across a small portion of the Caribbean Sea to go snorkeling. There would be coral reefs, parrotfish, and lobsters. I opted out.

I wasn’t confident that I wouldn’t start to panic and drown. So, while the rest of my tour group and the instructor went ahead, I stayed seated on the dock. As I looked out at the expansive sea around me, noticing how the colors transitioned from celeste to navy, I breathed in deeply: 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4 . I was trying my best not to cry.

Our reserved, yet warm tour guide had also stayed behind. He claimed he was tired of beautiful beaches and ocean views—they didn’t impress him, he said. After noticing that I had been sitting alone on the dock for what felt like half an hour, he came to sit next to me. I told him about my deep affinity for the sea, but also how much it terrified me.

“The trick to swimming,” he said, “is letting go of fear. […] The water will do most of the work for you. It’ll hold you up, but only if you let it. You must remain calm, and trust yourself.”

Perhaps that is the missing puzzle piece: trust. Trust in the water, but most importantly, trust in myself. Trust that I could keep myself alive, and the water would help me—if I let it.

Naydeline Mejia is an assistant editor at Women’s Health , where she covers sex, relationships, and lifestyle for WomensHealthMag.com and the print magazine. She is a proud graduate of Baruch College and has more than two years of experience writing and editing lifestyle content. When she’s not writing, you can find her thrift-shopping, binge-watching whatever reality dating show is trending at the moment, and spending countless hours scrolling through Pinterest.

What To Know About The Four Cardinal Zodiac Signs

All About The New Golden Bachelorette, Joan Vassos

What To Know About Your Chiron Sign In Astrology

WNBA Roster Cuts: Team Tracker For 2024 Season

Meet Caitlin Clark's Family: Parents And Brothers

What Taylor’s ‘Cassandra’ Lyrics Mean

All The Pregnant Celebrities With 2024 Due Dates

FYI: Memorial Day Mattress Sales Have Arrived

TBH Dad Will Make You His Favorite If You Get This

Travis Kisses Taylor’s Arms in Viral Video

AirPods Are $79 During Early Memorial Day Sales

Essay on My Swimming Experience

Students are often asked to write an essay on My Swimming Experience in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on My Swimming Experience

Learning to swim.

My swimming experience began when I was young. My parents enrolled me in a class where I met my coach. He was kind and patient. At first, I was scared to put my face in the water, but with practice, it became fun.

My First Lap

The day I swam across the pool without help was exciting. My arms and legs moved together, and I felt like a fish. It was hard work, but very rewarding. I was proud and couldn’t wait to tell my family.

Swimming with Friends

Swimming is more fun with friends. We play games and race each other. It’s a good way to stay healthy and cool in the summer. I love the feeling of floating and splashing around.

Overcoming Fear

I used to be afraid of deep water. But as I got better at swimming, I learned to enjoy it. Now, I can jump into the deep end without fear. Swimming has taught me to be brave.

250 Words Essay on My Swimming Experience

When I first started swimming, I was both excited and a bit scared. The water looked inviting, but also deep and unknown. I began with floating. At first, it was hard to trust the water to hold me up, but with practice, I got better. My teacher was patient, showing me how to move my arms and kick my legs.

My First Laps

After I got the hang of floating, it was time to try swimming across the pool. I remember taking a big breath and pushing off the wall. My arms pulled and my feet kicked. It was tiring, but I made it to the other side! I felt proud and couldn’t wait to do it again.

Joining a Swim Team

Once I could swim well, I joined a swim team. This was a new challenge. I learned different strokes and how to turn quickly at the wall. Races were thrilling, and being part of a team was fun. We cheered for each other and worked hard together.

Swimming for Fun

Swimming isn’t just about lessons or teams. I also swim for fun. On hot days, jumping into cool water feels great. Playing games and splashing around is a good time with friends. Swimming is not just a sport for me; it’s a way to enjoy and relax.

Swimming has been an amazing experience. It has taught me not to give up, to be brave, and to always keep trying. Whether it’s for a race, with a team, or just playing around, swimming is something I love to do.

500 Words Essay on My Swimming Experience

My swimming experience began when I was around seven years old. My parents signed me up for lessons at the local pool. At first, I was scared. The water seemed so vast and deep, and I was afraid I would sink. But my teacher was kind and patient. She taught me to kick my legs and move my arms in a way that kept me afloat. It was like learning a secret dance that let me move through the water.

Every day, I grew more confident. I went from splashing in the shallow end to swimming across the pool without stopping. It was exciting to feel the water support me as I glided along. I remember the thrill of passing my first swimming test, where I had to swim a whole lap without any help.

My First Swim Meet

After a year of lessons, I joined the swim team. I’ll never forget my first swim meet. I was nervous, with all the other swimmers around me and so many people watching. When it was my turn, I stood on the edge of the pool, waiting for the signal. Then I jumped in.

As I swam, I forgot about being nervous. I focused on my strokes and my breathing. When I reached the end of the pool, I saw my time. It wasn’t the fastest, but I had finished my race, and that felt like a huge win.

Swimming isn’t just about racing or passing tests. It’s also about fun. In the summer, I would go to the pool with my friends. We played games and had contests to see who could hold their breath the longest or swim the farthest. We laughed and splashed, and on hot days, the cool water felt amazing.

Overcoming Challenges

Not every swimming experience was easy. Sometimes I struggled to learn a new stroke or improve my time. There were moments when I felt like giving up. But I remembered how far I had come since those first scary days. I kept practicing, and with time, I got better.

One of the hardest things I learned was the butterfly stroke. It took so much effort to coordinate my arms and legs. But when I finally got it right, I was so proud. It was a reminder that hard work pays off.

Swimming’s Lessons

Swimming has taught me more than just how to move through water. It has taught me about setting goals and working to reach them. It has shown me the importance of being brave and trying new things, even when they seem difficult.

I’ve also learned that it’s okay to be scared at first, as long as you don’t let that fear stop you. Each time I faced a new challenge in the pool, I became a little braver and a little stronger.

My swimming experience is filled with memories of learning, growing, and having fun. It’s a part of my life that has shaped who I am. I’ve learned valuable lessons about persistence, courage, and the joy of achieving something you’ve worked hard for. Whether I’m racing against others or just enjoying a swim on a sunny day, the pool is a place where I feel at home.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on My Talent Is Drawing
• Essay on My Teachers
• Essay on My Tree House

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges

The Importance of Swim Lessons

By: Mollie Shauger | Thursday, June 20, 2019 | Aquatics

Child learning how to swim

Swim lessons are a great way to prepare young swimmers to enjoy the water in a much safer way. Here at the YMCA, we offer a number of learn-to-swim classes for swimmers of all ages. Beyond enjoyment, swim lessons offer new swimmers a number of benefits that can last a lifetime.

Improve Safety – For Everyone

Sadly, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 3,400 people drown in the United States each year. Those that know how to swim are far more equipped to rescue someone that is struggling to swim. Furthermore, it’s a valuable skill to have for those who work with, or supervise, young children, who are more susceptible to suffering an injury while swimming.

Additionally, teaching children to swim at a young age helps prepare them to be safer around bodies of water. Swim lessons help adults and children become more comfortable in the water, and teaches them to float and safely operate in the water. This also empowers them to attend pool parties and enjoy social time with their friends in and around the water.

Healthy Benefits for Young Children

Children can take water safety courses or parent-child swimming lessons as early as 2-months old. Multiple studies have found many physical and neurological benefits of teaching children to swim in their toddler years. A long-term study performed by Griffith University found that 3-5 year old’s who learned to swim early had better verbal, math, and literacy skills when compared to children their same age that didn’t know how to swim. Furthermore, teaching young children to swim improves their self-control, boosts their self-esteem and gives them more self-confidence to handle new situations. Swimming also helps children develop healthy muscles, and improves their cardiovascular health and performance.

Incredible Health Benefits

Swimming is one of the best exercises a person can do, and it offers a list of incredible health benefits. First, swimming is a low-impact sport, which makes it great for any person of any age to practice. Seniors often enjoy swimming as a healthy cardiovascular exercise that won’t upset their joints. Unlike running or lifting weights, the low-impact of swimming empowers people to enjoy the sport their entire lives. Swimming is also an exercise that engages a lot of muscle groups, which makes it an incredible full-body workout. Swimming has been proven time and again to be one of the best calorie-burning exercises, and can aide in weight-loss, muscle growth, and promotes better overall cardiovascular health.

Excellent Competition

Swimming is a fun sport open for children of all ages to compete. Competitive swimming gives people a chance to train with a team and make new friends in a healthy space. Competitive swimming also offers students a chance to earn a scholarship and compete in college. This can help parents save money on expensive tuition costs, and gives their child a huge head-start on earning new friends while away at school.

Relaxing Fun

Most people that know how to swim get real enjoyment and relaxation from spending leisure time in the water. Being able to swim allows people to escape a hot summer day by going to the pool, or a natural body of water. The skill itself opens up an entirely natural world of lakes, rivers and oceans to explore and enjoy as a swimmer. You can hop in the boat with some friends to go water skiing, or enjoy snorkeling in the ocean and observing the countless wonders of the sea. Swimming doesn’t have to be relegated to a pool, and it’s a skill that empowers people to explore. So, if you don’t know how to swim, or you want to teach your family to swim, then contact the YMCA for more information about our many learn-to-swim programs .

A True Lifelong Skill

Swimming is a life-long skill that swimmers can practice year-round. According to the CDC, swimming can help with chronic diseases and mental health. Water-based exercising like swimming improves the use of joints affected by arthritis, and can help seniors exercise in a healthy environment long after retirement.

Learn to Swim at the YMCA

The Metro YMCA in northern NJ provides water safety classes for the whole family, so that each member of your family is confident around bodies of water. We also offer swim lessons for children with moderate-to-severe neurological, physical, or social challenges.

Call us today to learn more about our swimming lessons. Because the Y is for all, we offer financial assistance for qualifying individuals and families who want to participate in our programs.

7 comments on "The Importance of Swimming Lessons"

Leave a Comment

Related blog posts, ymca director selected for national multicultural leadership institute, metro ymca of the oranges joins the five days of action, new milford ymca program center offering swim lessons, west essex ymca offers free participation in piranhas swim team.

The ymca fitness app provides class schedules, social media platforms, fitness goals, and fitness challenges. Our app will also allow you to link many of the popular fitness tracking devices and fitness apps on the market. Learn More »

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Swimming — Learning to Swim for the First Time

Learning to Swim for The First Time

• Categories: Swimming

About this sample

Words: 585 |

Published: Jan 25, 2024

Words: 585 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr Jacklynne

Verified writer

• Expert in: Life

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

3 pages / 1325 words

2 pages / 710 words

1 pages / 647 words

1 pages / 507 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Swimming

Swimming, once a simple act of human locomotion through water, has evolved significantly in response to technological advancements and modern demands. In this essay, we will explore how swimming has adapted to these changes, [...]

Swimming is a typical activity people of all ages enjoy in the summer. Americans spend hours passing time at the pool sunbathing, floating in the water, or watching their children. These activities are usually the first things [...]

"My hobby is swimming," I proudly declare as I submerge myself into the azure waters of the pool, feeling the soothing embrace of liquid tranquility. Swimming is not just an activity; it's a passion that has enriched my life in [...]

Butterfly stroke is considered the second fastest stroke after the front crawl. Initially, there were only three swimming styles: crawl, breaststroke and backstroke. Butterfly was formed from breaststroke and requires a big deal [...]

As a child, I remember watching Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”, and being awestruck by the raw strength of water, daydreaming and visualising myself as a mermaid. My first swimming lesson started soon after that. The fear that [...]

This morning is the start of one of the biggest swim meets of the year, the West Virginia High School State Championship in Morgantown, WV. As I gather my suits and walk out of the hotel, a blast of cold February air hits me. [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Home / Essay Samples / Sports / Swimming / Why I Like Swimming: Exploring My Passion for the Sport

Why I Like Swimming: Exploring My Passion for the Sport

• Category: Life , Sports
• Topic: Passion , Swimming

Pages: 2 (1075 words)

Views: 3242

• Downloads: -->

Swimming is my passion (essay)

--> ⚠️ Remember: This essay was written and uploaded by an--> click here.

Found a great essay sample but want a unique one?

are ready to help you with your essay

You won’t be charged yet!

Paying College Athletes Essays

Football Essays

Volleyball Essays

History of Taekwondo Essays

Taekwondo Essays

Related Essays

We are glad that you like it, but you cannot copy from our website. Just insert your email and this sample will be sent to you.

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service  and  Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Your essay sample has been sent.

In fact, there is a way to get an original essay! Turn to our writers and order a plagiarism-free paper.

samplius.com uses cookies to offer you the best service possible.By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .--> -->