Lifesaving Club - Survival Swimming - Falling in
 Home   Contact us 
  
 Water Safety  
 Clubs  
 Lifeguards  
 Research  
 Survival Swimming  
   Drownproofing  
   Falling in  
   Floating  
   Open Water  
   Rescue Priorities  
   Rescue Tows  
 Swimming Strokes  
 Swimming Tests  
 Training  
 Water Games  
 Sitemap 

Survival Swimming
Falling in unexpectedly
falling into a lake fully clothed

Falling in

Theory: Sudden Immersion

    In many water sports you will sometimes fall into the water fully clothed. You may lose your balance, or your boat capsizes, or you decide to jump in for a spontaneous swim. The resistance from the water logged clothes makes swimming and climbing out a bit more challenging. The more you practice falling in, the better you'll be prepared for when it happens unexpectedly.

Practice: Falling in

    Falling in Find a pool or a beach with good depth and no underwater obstructions. Fall in backwards or roll up in a ball. Notice any air pockets that give you buoyancy. You'll soon gain more confidence.

    It can be surprisingly exhausting to fall in and climb out in quick succession several times. If you can do it in 6 or more times per minute you're good.

    Recommended clothing: Plenty of robust clothes like sweatshirts, jeans, rainwear, socks and shoes. Start with light clothing and put on more each time until you're fully clothed.

TAKE CARE!   FALL INTO WATER CAREFULLY
Falling in