What if we told you that you could be someone who swims well, but you just don't know it yet?
Perhaps you are thinking about how much you enjoyed floating or swimming laps for fun at the pool and would like to try your hand at learning how to swim properly. There's no perfect way to learn to swim: diving queen Datuk Pandelela Rinong jumped off a five-metre swimming platform before she knew how to swim!
Most importantly, choosing the right place to learn swimming is crucial to having a great learning experience. Besides, who's to say you shouldn't have fun when practising your swimming strokes?
In this article, we're going to explore places where you can learn to swim online and offline in Malaysia. But first, let's weigh whether the benefits of swimming are really worth the time and energy it takes to learn it.
Is it OK not to learn to swim?
Generally, it's not necessary that you know how to swim as even those who do learn to swim often consider a variety of circumstances before picking up the activity. Time is an important factor as swimming requires you to have access to a pool, and not everyone has the luxury of a swimming pool at home.
And if you are frequently heading to a swimming pool, you need to contemplate how long it will take you to go to and from the area - not to mention membership costs and instructor fees if you are learning from a swimming coach.
It can also be tough learning to swim if you have aquaphobia, but there are ways to overcome the fear of water.
To swim or not to swim? Take a look at this table below to see what benefits of swimming you can gain and what you could be missing out on if you decide not to learn it.
| To Swim | Not to Swim |
|---|---|
| Swimming is considered a life-saving skill that could aid you and others in emergency situations. | You will miss out on exciting career choices, such as becoming a dolphin trainer or marine biologist. |
| It can be refreshing to spend time in water, as it's proven to be relaxing and stress-relieving! | You won't experience the physical and mental benefits associated with swimming. |
| You can improve your overall fitness as you need to keep your body moving to swim. | You may experience anxiety or panic if faced with emergency situations in the water. |
| Swimming is a great social activity, especially if you plan it with friends or join a school club. | You may not be able to independently go for water-related activities, like snorkelling or surfing. |
You could be overlooking various opportunities if you choose not to swim!
The reasons behind picking up this sport differ from person to person. The smart thing to do is to evaluate your own interests, preferences and learning goals so that you can gain the benefits of swimming while enjoying your time at the pool. Now, if you do want to get started on swimming...
Can I learn to swim from YouTube?
After weighing out the pros and cons of swimming, you need to build your interest in the sport if you want to have a consistent routine. It would be awful to pay for a year's worth of membership fees at your local swimming pool just to give up after several weeks of practice. That is why swimmers are encouraged to look for role models or athletes who have dedicated their lives to swimming.
You don't even have to visit a pool to witness amazing athletes perform the coolest swimming strokes. Instead, you can learn about swimming tips, tutorials and even workouts for swimmers from the comfort of your home: that is what swimming videos are for!
Among the overlooked places where you can learn to swim online is YouTube, which is why we would like to share some of our favourite channels on the platform where you can learn to swim and be inspired by famous swimmers:
Global Triathlon Network
Although this channel supports a variety of sports, you shouldn't skip their helpful swimming tips and tutorials that even beginner swimmers can follow. We are a fan of their videos that break down the essential swimming strokes as the instructors provide explanations that are easy to visualise when you are in the water.
Here are some popular swimming videos on the channel that you can check out:
- 5 Beginner Swim Tips
- How to Swim Freestyle Properly
- How to Swim Without Getting Tired
Effortless Swimming
This is a highly educational channel as it not only features the channel's swimming coach but also other swimming athletes who have competed professionally. You can learn from the styles and swimming strokes of different swimmers, or watch their swimming drills and videos on training strategies to help you learn to swim faster.
If you've been practising at the swimming pool for a while now, we recommend watching How to Swim 20 Seconds Faster (Per 100m) and Exhausted After 100m? Try This on the channel.
Get yourself familiar with swimming styles and strokes that all beginners should know.
Where can I take swimming lessons near me?
It's time to reap the benefits of swimming by actually going to the swimming pool! Trying out swimming strokes or even just floating on your own for the first time can be scary. Fortunately, there are a variety of swimming schools and public swimming pools in Malaysia that offer coaching from the beginner to advanced level.
Before deciding on any of these places below, there are important qualities that your swimming instructor should have.
You should also check the availability of these swimming schools below and keep yourself updated on the lessons meant for swimmers at your level. Some instructors' schedules may already be fully booked by other students, so do give the school a call before heading to the swimming pool for a lesson.
D Swim Academy
As the largest swimming school in Malaysia, there are various professional swimming programmes available for students of all ages. You can learn to swim with their certified swim teachers and even partake in special training courses like diving, artistic swimming and water polo. You can learn with their swim teachers at various locations in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Johor.
Lesson times: Flexible, depending on the student and availability of instructor
Who can join: All ages, beginning from learners 6 months old and above
Enquiry hours: Tuesdays to Fridays, 10.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Swim Life Academy
Coaching students in various locations throughout Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, this school has received positive reviews for helping students feel more confident in swimming and in overcoming their fear of water. It's even guaranteed that students will be able to swim within the first four lessons.
Lesson times: Mondays to Sundays, 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. (timings are flexible)
Who can join: Learners aged 4 years and above
RNJ Swimming Academy
The school offers a complete learning syllabus that's been said to help you master four swimming strokes over the span of 13 lessons. As its mission is to provide everyone with access to swimming lessons, there are also lesson discounts available for low-income families. You can find their branches throughout locations in Sarawak, Kedah, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan and other states.
Lesson times: Depends on branch location
Who can join: Kids and adults (ages not specified)
Enquiry hours: Mondays to Sundays, 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.
Can I learn to swim as an adult?
The simple answer is: yes, you can!
Age limit isn't an issue because even older folks can benefit from swimming. While learning from a young age will likely help you pick up swimming strokes faster, you can learn swimming from scratch as long as you are comfortable in the water. Bonus points if you already know how to float!
Perhaps you want to get good at swimming soon so that you can join your friends the next time all of you head to the beach, or add snorkelling to your upcoming travel itinerary. If you are looking to do more than just sit by the swimming pool, it could help to learn to swim under the proper guidance of a swimming coach.
We recommend taking proper swimming classes as learning through a YouTube instructor may not be enough for a beginner swimmer. Nonetheless, it can be frustrating if the closest swimming school isn't offering lessons for adults, should it apply to you!
It's time to get on Superprof to look for the best swimming instructor who caters to all ages. Navigate your way through the Superprof Tutors page with ease by selecting your learning level (Beginner to Advanced), type of class (Face-to-face or Online) and preferred travelling distance if you want to meet your instructor in person. You can even save time by looking for swimming coaches who can get back to you within the day.
Did you know that you can learn from an experienced swimming instructor on Superprof, for as low as RM70 per lesson? Click on each instructor's profile to help you identify whether one-on-one or group classes are provided - of course, this again depends on your personal preference! That being said, you can expect structured yet personalised swimming lessons from Superprof swimming instructors, designed to help you master all the swimming strokes and more.
If you're still not convinced, why not try a free swimming lesson on Superprof? That should help you decide if your swimming instructor can help you learn to swim as an adult!
Discover a swimming class KL with a professional swim teacher on Superprof today!
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