Dear M. Weber,Thank you...

Question
Dear M. Weber,

Thank you for your quick response. I tried as you recommended. I think I will be able to breath and swim at the same time after some practice. I tried your breathing technique yesterday. Should I blow out air from mouth or nose? When I turn my head out of the water to breath in some water often goes into my mouth. I guess I can do it better after some practice.

I have one more question. How can I float when I am not moving/swimming. I am afraid to go to the deeper section of the swimming pool. Because if I stop stroking I cannot float. I generally stay in 5" deep water. I see other people can float even when they are not moving. Would you recommend any technique?

Thnaks and regards,
Raj.
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Followup To
Question -
Dear Mr. Weber,

I am learing to swim. I am 34 years old. I can swim but I need to hold my breath during swimming. I cannot swim and breath at the same time. Generally, I hold my breath swim for a while, stop and breath and then swim again.

I have taken a class and read a couple of books on swimming. But nothing have helped much. Are there any tips or techniques that help me learn swimming and breathing at the same time?

Thanks and best regards,
Raj.
Answer -
Raj--
It is important to remember that while you are swimming you should not be holding your breath, when your face is in the water you should be blowing air out so when you turn your face to take a breath all you should need to do is breath in.  A good drill to work on this is done with a kick board.  Start with both hands on the board and kick with your face in the water, when you need a breath, turn your head and breath in.  When you are comfortable with that add one arm(whichever you are comfortable with) and practice putting your face in and blowing air out, take a stroke turn your head and breath in.  As you get more comfortable with this you can stop using the board and try to just swim and use the breathing.  
I hope this helps,
George

Answer
Raj-
I am glad I have been able to help so far.  For most people it is easier to blow air out of their nose, but it is up to you which is more comfortable.
As for the floating thing, many people can't float. It depends on your body composition.  If your body fat level is low it will be very hard to float.  The key is to stay relaxed and try to keep your lower back arched a little to help keep your face above water.
I hope this helps,
George