We get you to become aware of unnecessary tension in your neck, which impedes breathing, and to sing into the water, as using the voice is a familiar activity that involves breathing out.  This is the first major step in transforming your relationship with the water.

Next steps are learning to glide, initially with support, and to calmly but firmly regain the feet before getting your head out of the water. This procedure is usually the most challenging for non-swimmers. Some people achieve independence in the first lesson while others take much longer.  Our job is to give you the right amount of support while encouraging you to trust yourself (to keep calm) and the water (to support you).

Anne attended weekly lessons in Oxfordshire, starting as a complete non-swimmer and is now learning to co ordinate the strokes and enjoying being in the water on holidays.

“I am finding increased enjoyment in the water, all thanks to the method of teaching and the ever patient and lovely Chie.” 

Sue, a non-swimmer with only negative experiences of being in water, attended a week’s residential course in Cardigan Bay. Her first lesson was spent learning to breathe into water, to let the water support her head and to glide, with support.  By the end of the week she was gliding independently and without undue tension, swimming calmly on her back and beginning to learn the breaststroke.

“A quick note to tell you yet again how much I enjoyed last week and how thrilled I am to be a happy person in the water.  Thank you for your patience and encouragement!”

“The total experience of learning to swim with the Alexander Technique has truly changed my life; I have overcome my fear of the water, something I never thought I would do.”  Sally, Fishguard