Learning to Swim: How Long Does it Take?

Swimming is a valuable life skill and a fun way to stay active, but the time it takes to learn can vary depending on several factors. In this post, we’ll explore the variables that affect the speed at which one can learn to swim and provide an estimate of the time it takes for most people.

Factors that Affect the Time to Learn

Fear level: If someone has a fear of the water, it may take longer for them to feel comfortable in the water and learn to swim.
Past experience: If someone has had prior swimming experience, it may be easier for them to learn new techniques and skills.
Age: Children typically pick up swimming skills faster than adults, but it is never too late to learn.
Physical ability: Swimming ability can also be impacted by physical limitations such as joint pain or disabilities.

Average Time to Learn

For adults with no fear or limitations, it takes an average of 20-30 hours to learn how to swim. If someone takes an hour lesson per week, it would take approximately 20-30 weeks or about 5-7 months to learn. Keep in mind, every person is different and may have a very different schedule and ability, so the time it takes to learn can vary.

What Skills Should You Learn First?

The goal of the swimmer and the skills they want to learn will also impact the time it takes to learn. Floating is one of the main principles of swimming and is the most important survival skill to know. Learning the basic techniques for all four strokes is the next step, and then further developing their technique to competition level, focusing on strength and speed. What the swimmer considers "being able to swim" will also affect the time it takes, for example, learning the doggy paddle takes less time than perfecting the freestyle technique to a competitive level.

Self-Teaching vs. Taking Lessons

It is possible to learn how to swim by yourself, but it will take longer, be more challenging, and may result in some bad habits being picked up. On the other hand, taking lessons from a trained instructor will ensure that you learn the proper techniques and avoid bad habits.

Learning to swim is a valuable life skill and can be a fun and rewarding experience. The time it takes to learn depends on several factors such as fear level, past experience, age, physical ability, goal, and definition of "being able to swim". For most people, it takes 20-30 hours to learn or 20-30 weeks of one hour lessons.

Whether you choose to take lessons or teach yourself, remember that it is never too late to learn to swim!