Learning to Swim as an Adult: Rachel’s Inspiring Journey
At 44, I never thought I’d take the plunge—literally—into learning to swim. Yet, here I am, a proud new swimmer at the YMCA of Frederick County. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, growth, and overcoming a fear I’ve carried for as long as I can remember.
My family and I have been members of the YMCA since 2012. What initially drew us was the incredible variety of activities for everyone in our family, from childcare to group fitness, sports, and summer camps.
Over the years, the Y has become our second home—a safe, welcoming, and vibrant community where we truly belong.
While my children dove headfirst into swimming—starting with lessons and eventually joining the Tidal Force swim team—I remained on the sidelines, cheering them on but avoiding the water myself. My fear of water ran deep, keeping me from snorkeling on vacations or even fully enjoying the pool with my kids. Watching my children conquer new milestones like diving off the block and mastering flip turns, I realized I wanted that same confidence. If they could do it, why couldn’t I?
Taking that first step into adult swim lessons was terrifying but empowering. I showed up for my first lesson feeling out of place in my son’s old goggles and a bathing suit better suited for lounging. The support I received from the instructor, my classmates, and even the swim team head coach was amazing. They broke the process down into manageable steps: first floating, then gliding, then kicking. By the end of my first class, I had not only learned the basics but also discovered something unexpected: the beauty of the water. For the first time in my life, I looked underwater and felt awe instead of fear.
A turning point came when I swam the length of the pool for the first time. The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. The cheers from my instructor, classmates, and even lifeguards reminded me that I wasn’t just learning to swim—I was proving to myself that I could face a lifelong fear and come out stronger.
Swimming has changed my relationship with water. It’s no longer a source of anxiety but an opportunity for growth and joy. I’ve set small, achievable goals to keep me motivated, like swimming once a week and gradually building my stamina. I even catch myself daydreaming about diving off the blocks—something I never would have imagined before.
To other adults hesitant to face their fears or try something new, my advice is this: Start small. You don’t have to dive in—literally or figuratively. Begin in the shallow end and take it one step at a time. The Y provided the perfect environment for me to learn, offering patient instructors and a community that cheered me on every step of the way.
Learning to swim at the YMCA has been more than just gaining a life skill—it’s been a lesson in courage, perseverance, and the incredible support of a community that believes in you.
If you’ve ever thought about tackling a fear or trying something new, I can’t recommend it enough. Jump in—you just might surprise yourself.
