It’s Never Too Late to Learn to Swim
Can you swim?
Did you know that 80% of American adults say they can swim, but nearly half admit they couldn’t pass a basic swimming test.
The American Red Cross found that 44% of adults would fail a simple five-skill assessment—treading water for one minute, jumping into deep water and resurfacing, and swimming one pool length without stopping.
The problem is that millions of adults really think they can swim, but when it comes to it, they probably couldn’t rely on those skills in an emergency.
But the good news is that more adults than ever are finally doing something about that! Adult swimming lessons have surged— and not just to gain basic competency, they really want to enjoy everything that swimming offers!
Why Adults Never Learned to Swim in the First Place
Many factors come into play for why many people reach adulthood without ever learning to swim. Some grew up without regular access to a pool, and others had traumatic experiences early on that put them off water activities. And for many, historical and cultural barriers made learning to swim challenging.
Others simply never had the opportunity.
What Changed? Why Adults Are Learning to Swim Now
A few things are driving more adults to finally learn to swim:
They Had Kids
This one is huge! Parents who can’t swim often feel anxious when their kids are around water. They want to be able to jump in the water if something goes wrong, or even jump in for FUN! And they definitely don’t want to pass their fears onto the next generation. Many adults in our one-on-one Learn-to-Swim program are learning because their kids are their primary motivator.
They Are Tired of Missing Out
Beach vacations. Pool parties. Kayaking trips with friends. Snorkeling on vacation. When you can’t swim, you sit on the sidelines while everyone else has fun. Adults may find a new activity they just can’t miss out on, and why should they?
They Recognize it’s a Safety Issue
Ten people drown every day in the US. Two are children. Adults who can’t swim put themselves and others at risk.
The Stigma is Disappearing
It used to be a little embarrassing for adults to take beginner swim lessons. Now, they are common and seen more as empowerment.
They Finally Have Time and Resources
Adults control their own schedules and money. They can prioritize this in ways they couldn’t as kids.
The Emotional Journey of Learning to Swim as an Adult
Learning to swim is much more than a physical process; it’s also an emotional one.
Research found participants experience anxiety and fear at first, but those who stick with it report accomplishment, confidence, and genuine pride.
Because so many adults carry around the weight of past failures, uncomfortable experiences, and some shame around it, those emotions don’t disappear easily.
That’s where good instruction matters. Adults need patient instructors who understand that fear is real. Trust between student and teacher makes all the difference.
But the payoff is significant: People say they feel empowered and genuinely like they’ve transformed into another person after accomplishing— and overcoming— something that has been plaguing them for years.
What Learning to Swim Opens Up
Beyond safety, swimming opens doors and changes what’s possible in your life!
Once you are confident in swimming, you can:
- Actually enjoy beach vacations
- Join your friends in water excursions
- Try activities like paddleboarding, surfing, or snorkeling
- Exercise and stay healthy in the pool throughout life
- Feel confident watching the kids in the pool
- Participate in family activities instead of watching from shore
Research calls this a “life affordance”—the opportunities that open up once you have a skill. For adults who learn to swim, those opportunities extend far beyond the pool.
It’s Never Too Late
If you’re an adult who never learned to swim, here’s what you need to know: you’re not alone, it’s not too late, and it’s absolutely worth doing.
At WeAquatics, we understand that learning to swim as an adult takes courage. Our adult Learn-to-Swim lessons are designed specifically for beginners, with patient, experienced instructors who know how to work with adult learners.
Whether you’re learning for safety reasons or you just want to enjoy life more, we’ll meet you where you’re at and help you build real swimming skills!
Connect with us today to get started!
