Not knowing what to expect at your first adult swim lesson can make it feel intimidating — but with the right setting, coach, and structure, it quickly becomes exciting and empowering.
You bring your swim gear. We’ll supply the smiles.
Before You Arrive
Your first class isn’t about swimming laps — it’s about comfort, breathing, and learning how the water supports you.
At Chicago Blue Dolphins, we design the first lesson to help you relax, get oriented, and leave saying, “That wasn’t so bad — I can do this.”
What to Bring
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Swimsuit: Any comfortable, secure style that lets you move freely.
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Towel and water bottle: Hydration and warmth matter, even in warm pools.
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Goggles: A snug, no-leak pair helps calm breathing.
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Optional: Swim cap (keeps hair out of your face) and flip-flops for poolside comfort.
What to Expect at Your First Adult Swim Lesson
You’ll meet your instructor, discuss your goals, and talk through any past experiences or fears. We want to know what success looks like for you — whether that’s learning to float, swimming with your kids, or preparing for a triathlon.
Then, your coach will explain what’s going to happen step by step. No surprises. No pressure.
We’ll get you started gently and go at your pace.
The Lesson Structure: Calm, Clear, and Step-by-Step
We always start with predictability. Knowing what’s next keeps anxiety low and learning high.
1. Getting Comfortable
You’ll begin in shallow water where you can stand easily. We’ll practice:
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Gentle entries and exits
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Feeling the water’s support (floating on back and front)
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Facial immersion — eyes open, relaxed posture, keeping the water out of the nose
Most swimmers are surprised at how quickly their body starts to relax.
2. Learning to Float and Glide
Next comes the “balance work” — short floats on front and back. These movements help you feel the support of the water even if your legs may hang down from that floating point. We’ll teach you to stand up safely and confidently from any position — a crucial step in removing fear.
Getting comfortable doing nothing in the water is an important step on the way to doing something in the water.
3. Gentle Movement
By the end of the class, most adults are gliding several feet and moving under their own control. These movements help you feel buoyant and teach you how your posture affects your balance in the water. You might take a few simple strokes or practice short kicks — but only when you’re relaxed enough to enjoy it.
How You’ll Feel
It’s normal to feel nervous at first, but our goal is that you end the session feeling proud and surprised by what you accomplished.
Most adults leave the first class saying things like:
“I didn’t realize floating could feel that easy.”
“I actually relaxed in the water for the first time.”
“Now I know what to work on.”
You’ll also receive personal feedback and a simple homework plan — a few drills or comfort exercises to practice before your next session.
How We Support You at Chicago Blue Dolphins
Our environment is designed for adults who are learning from scratch:
- Small classes: 3:1 in shallow water, 4:1 in deep
- Warm, quiet pools: Endless Pools in our Swim Studio — perfect for early comfort work
- Experienced coaches: We specialize in adult beginners, not just lap swimmers
- Progress tracking: You’ll receive a short evaluation after each session to see what’s improving
As your comfort grows, we’ll move to deeper water and start integrating strokes like freestyle and backstroke — always at your pace.
Quick Tips for a Great First Lesson
✅ Arrive early — give yourself 10–15 minutes to settle in and chat with your coach.
✅ Ask questions — no question is too basic. Your instructor expects them.
✅ Focus on calm, not distance. Long glides and easy breathing matter more than laps.
✅ Don’t rush progress. Each small victory — like a quiet float or a short, controlled swim — builds your foundation.
✅ Smile! It sounds simple, but smiling physically reduces tension and helps you float.
After Class: What’s Next?
You’ll discuss your comfort level with your coach and decide whether to:
- Repeat Level 1 to reinforce comfort
- Move to Level 2 to add breathing and distance
- Or try a private lesson to focus on a specific challenge (face immersion, breathing, or deep water)
Every swimmer’s timeline is different, and that’s okay — steady, calm learning always wins.
Your First Step Toward Confidence
Learning to swim as an adult isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress and peace of mind. That first lesson opens the door to freedom, safety, and joy in the water.
Take the step. We’ll handle the rest. 💦
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