Learning to Swim

How deep is the pool? Check the water depth before you enter the water.  Consider one or more of these suggestions if you are a non-swimmer and the water is too deep for you to stand on the bottom:  (a) wear a life jacket or use other flotation equipment; (b) swim with a taller, stronger person who can help you reach safety if you get tired; (c) practice swimming near a lane line or the pool gutter so that you can grab-on if you get tired; (d) use an underwater platform - either a step for water aerobics or a pool platform; or (e) find another pool that isn't so deep. 

Can you keep your head above water? One of your first priorities should be learning how to tread water with your head above water so that you can breathe comfortably. Treading water is an especially important skill for dwarf swimmers who cannot stand on the bottom of the pool.

To dive or not to dive? Instability in the cervical spine (the neck area) of dwarfs who do not have achondroplasia may lead to spinal cord injury if stress is placed on the neck when diving into the pool or when performing other activities that involve forward flexion of the neck.  This instability can be detected by a physician using X-ray analysis.  Swimmers with this problem should not dive into the water!  Use the ladder or slide in if you have this condition.

Head and body position.  Swimmers should have good horizontal body alignment, meaning that the head, shoulders, hips, knees, and feet should all be near the surface of the water. Head position is important.  The best head position is usually in line with the body.  If the head is too high, the hips will sink, creating lots of drag for the swimmer.  Dwarf swimmers sometimes have trouble balancing in the water, especially when they are learning to swim.  Experiment to determine which head position results in the best body position for you.

Leg movements. When swimming front crawl (freestyle) or back crawl (backstroke), dwarf swimmers need a small, strong, fast kick to contribute to good body position and propulsion.  

Breathing. When swimming front crawl (freestyle) be sure to turn the head to the side when breathing rather than lift the head forward - remember that any time you lift your head, your hips and legs will sink!  For all strokes, be sure to return the head back to a streamlined position as soon as you finish inhaling - this will help you to maintain good body position.

Use flotation equipment. Use flotation equipment such as lifejackets or arm floats when learning to swim. You'll be able to focus on stroke technique without worrying about staying afloat. Choose equipment that does not restrict arm and leg movements.  Do not rely upon the equipment for safety - just some added support while you are learning new skills and building strength and endurance.

Use fins. Swim fins help swimmers to perform a stronger and faster kick. It's easier to work on arm movements and breathing when you have good support from your kick.  And it's fun to swim fast!

Participate in swimming lessons. Learning to swim is much easier with the help of a qualified instructor.  Swimming lessons are offered in most communities through programs such as the American Red Cross, Swim America, public schools, YMCAs, and sports clubs.

Work on good stroke technique. Top DAAA swimmers have achieved "textbook" form in each of the four competitive swimming strokes - freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.  You can too!  Use stretching exercises to improve your flexibility so that you can perform all of the swimming movements.  Follow your coach's advice about stroke technique, turns, and starts. Think about good technique as you swim.