beginner

Question
Hi George,

I'm 14 years of age and i took 2 weeks swimming lesson 2 months ago. Before that, I couldn't swim or float at all.
But after the lesson, I can float very well on my back but I cannot swim properly. I can actually, but it's just that I'm having problems when I turn to the side to breathe. I get tired quickly and can't focus. I can only swim about 9 metres. I want to swim better, do you have any tips?

One more thing.. I wonder how people can stay floating in deep water (not on their back) but they look like they're standing up when their feet are not even touching the bottom of the pool. How do you do that?

thanks

Answer
Nicole--
Don't get frustrated.  It takes a lot of time and practice to start to swim better.  When you breath in the water you want to think of it just like breathing out of the water, when your face is in the water blow most of your air out so when you turn your head to breath all you have to do is inhale, if you have to blow out when you turn your head you don't have time to breathe in and that can make you tired and lose focus.  Keep practicing and you will get better, 2 weeks and two months isn't a lot of time to get perfect.
as for the floating standing up, that is treading water, it is done with arm movement(paddling) and wide, slow kicking.  If you can talk to a lifeguard or swim instructor they can probably show you how to do it.
Hope this helps,

George