Having recently arrived in Spain, with summer just around the corner, I see that beaches and public pools (piscina municipal) are starting to open. I’m getting really eager to get in the water and have some fun. Unfortunately, I’m a complete non-swimmer; I never had the chance to learn back home. Seeing everyone making plans for the beach, I really don’t want to be stuck on the shore just watching. That’s why I’ve decided to start teaching myself to swim!
To help me learn, I’ve done a lot of research and also compiled some Spanish vocabulary that might come in handy, even looking into things like swimming headphones. After all, whether you’re at a public pool or the beach, understanding basic instructions and being able to communicate with a lifeguard is pretty important. I’m sharing this with you all in the hope that it helps other aspiring swimmers!
Getting Ready to Swim
Before you go swimming, you need to get your gear ready. You can say this at a sporting goods store:
Quiero comprar un bañador. (I want to buy a swimsuit.)Necesito un gorro de natación y unas gafas de bucear. (I need a swimming cap and goggles.)
When you get to the pool, you might see signs like piscina profunda (deep pool) and piscina poco profunda (shallow pool). As a beginner, always stay in the shallow end! Safety first!
Key Action Words
When you’re learning to swim, you can’t avoid the basic movements. I jotted down these terms while watching tutorial videos, and they’ve been really useful. Understanding these keywords makes it much easier to follow instructions from a coach or a friend.
| English | Spanish | Tip |
|---|
| To float | flotar | Imagine you’re a leaf floating on water~ |
| To breathe | respirar | A very important word! |
| To kick | dar una patada / patalear | Literally “to kick” in the water |
| To stroke (arms) | bracear / dar una brazada | Describes the arm movement |
| To hold your breath | aguantar la respiración | What you do when your face is underwater |
I think beginners should start with the basics: floating and exhaling through the nose in the water. The first step is to overcome any fear of the water; this is the most crucial part of learning how to enjoy swimming in Spain. Don’t rush into learning freestyle or breaststroke. Build a solid foundation first. For example, you can start by holding onto the side of the pool and practicing your kicks. Once you feel comfortable, try floating on your own in the shallow end. Remember, ¡Poco a poco! (Little by little!)
One last piece of advice: even if you’re teaching yourself, it’s best to go with a friend who can swim or choose a spot with a lifeguard on duty. If you happen to choke on water or get a cramp, having someone nearby makes all the difference for safety. Wishing everyone a fantastic summer swimming in the seas of Spain!
