Swimming Issue

[Deviousfred]

I leave to MCRD SD next monday. I'm not a swimmer. I wanna be a swimmer and will do whatever it takes.

After having read what happened at Parris Island, I want to make sure that's not me.

I start lessons today and would like any advice or input on what to concentrate on.

Thanks.

Freddy

[yellowwing]

Relax and pay attention to everything the swimming instructors say. Do exactly everything the swimming instructors have you doing. Even if it feels silly or repetitious.

You'll probably have close to 1 on 1 attention from the instructors. They will always be within direct immediate reach. You are pretty much in no danger at all.

And they will not be yelling at you. That will change next week when you appear in front of your new Instructors!

But both sets will be training you to save your life!

[HardJedi]

above all, DO NOT PANIC! your body will naturally float. People drown because they panic and wear themselves out more than anything.

[eddief]

Good initiative on your part, Deviousfred. Good luck to you achieving your goal of becoming a US Marine. Yellowwing and HardJedi gave you some good advice.

[CAR]

Listen to your instructor and RELAX. Keep focused the mission at hand. Use this time to really hit the pool as much as possible. Many "non-swimmers" have made it through, so it most certainly can be done.

Try to remember this...Jedi hit it on the head...... DO NOT PANIC! This will be the single biggest obstacle for you to get over in the water. Little kids learn well because they have not built up a "fear" yet. When you panic in the water you loose focus and only think of gettin your head out of water. I realize it's not easy, your fighting a survival instinct. But If you learn to relax in the water and do as you are instructed you will be fine. When you get to bootcamp you will be in the water wearing clothing and then with equipment. You will be tempted to struggle and panic.... keep your cool and remeber what your told. You will do fine.
Good luck, to earn the title you have to conquer some of your fears.

[mrbsox]

YOU... and only YOU, can have confidence that YOU will float.

Shallow water, where if all else fails... STAND UP.
Deep breath, hold it, bend over, face into the water, pick up your feet and hold your knees.

You will 'bob' for a moment... but then you WILL float. Get comfortable with that fact, then you will become CONFIDENT with the fact.
Swimming is just action/reaction. You pull/push water, your body responds with motion.

Listen, watch, try. Your instructors WILL demonstrate EVERYTHING you must do, just to show that it works. It has worked for years, decades, centurys. It'll work for you too.

Get some.... CONFIDENCE !!

[Deviousfred]

Had my first lesson last night. I have about 500% more water confidence than I did before. But I still need a lot of work.

Back to work again tonight and the rest of the week.

[HardJedi]

keep at it and good luck

[jinelson]

All the above is correct poolee, relax, overcome all your fear, breath, relax, become one with with the water and most importantly listen up to your instructor and this will easily be overcome. I admire your guts and motivation son, keep at it and give it hell. I look foreward to the day that I can congratulate you and welcome you to the Corps brotherhood as my brother.

GET SOME POOLEE
Jim

[Welbaum]

keep at it Poolee, I wish I was leaving in two weeks...

[yellowwing]

Macias, how is the swim training going?

[Deviousfred]

I'm ready for Basic Training! Bring It On!!!!

[yellowwing]

Out-freakin'-standing!