triathlon swimming first swim class at binghamton university HWS

Mastering Your First Swim Class: Ultimate Guide for Warmups, Drills, and Overcoming Fear

In our first session of Learn to Swim, we focused on laying a solid foundation. Students were organized by ability level for more effective lane assignments, allowing them to progress alongside peers of similar skill. From there, everyone worked on overcoming initial fears through simple yet empowering exercises—trust falls, gentle pushes, and marching in shallow water—all designed to build confidence and familiarity with the water. We also introduced key concepts such as how to use the race clock, the differences between lengths and laps in a 25-yard pool, and how to circle swim for safe lane sharing.

To round out the lesson, we covered practical insights on swim caps, prescription eyewear solutions, and the importance of a proper workout structure, which includes warmup, pre-set, drill set, main set, and cooldown segments. Each swimming focus—whether it’s learning to swim, improving stroke mechanics, training for triathlons, or preparing for lifeguard certification—follows these same foundational principles. By prioritizing technique, confidence, and a clear session layout, this first class set the stage for steady progress throughout the course.