anxious swimming

Question
Hi,I'm a middle age person who's only swimming background involved a few swimming lessons in my early 20's which consisted of swimming a few laps until I almost died. I have a hard time feeling completely relaxed in the water and stay out of the deep end because I never learned how to tread water. When I try and tread water,whenever I exhale I start to sink. I believe that this because of my incompetence/ and some nervousness in this activity. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks

Answer
Jack --

Well, it sounds as if you must have had quite an experience.  Here are a few suggestions.  First, try to find a good swimming teacher in your area.  The Red Cross, for example, usually offers an adult learn-to-swim program.  In this program, you would actually be with a certified instructor.  It would be very different from your first classes.  If you want to try and go it alone (which I don't really recommend), start out in the shallow end.  Start with floating.  Do this until you're completely comfortable floating on your back AND your front.  Then, try some kicking.  Try to get to about shoulder depth and lift your feet off the bottom.  Here's some kiddie descriptions of the movement.  Remember, you have to be completely relaxed (which should be easier if you're in water that is shallow.)  Your hands should move back and forth in front of you pushing water like you're pushing peanut butter around on two pieces of bread.  Remember to flip the angle of your hands so you can push the most water.  Once you can do that, try to lift your feet off the ground and kick your feet like you're riding a bicycle.  Move deeper and deeper until you can't touch any more -- once you've got the motions down.  Most importantly, try to breathe normally -- you should be able to carry on a normal conversation while doing this.

Good luck!

Lorena