Different Floating Positions in Swimming

The ability to float in water is a basic skill that allows swimmers to rest while staying in the water. It also is a critical survival skill for swimming in open water. For this reason alone, it is often one of the first techniques taught to young swimmers. While different floating techniques can be used, the keys to all of them are relaxation and economy of motion.

The horizontal survival float is the most energy efficient floating position, and is used when the swimmer anticipates being in open water for an extended time. Lie face down on the water's surface, similar to the position a skydiver assumes during free fall. Extend your arms to your sides and bend the elbows so your hands are forward and within a foot of your head. Spread your legs apart to offer the most surface area to maximize buoyancy. To breathe, exhale while using your arms to push down on the water as if you were pressing yourself off the ground. Lift your head up and back to clear the water's surface and take a breath. Lower your head until your face is submerged.

The vertical survival float is also used for survival situations, and is typically used by swimmers with lower body fat who are not buoyant enough to stay near the water's surface using the horizontal survival float. Imagine you are standing in the water with your head near the surface. Keep your elbows bent, with your arms out to your side and slightly in front of you. Cross your feet at the ankles to keep them from moving. With a full breath of air, you will only sink a few inches below the surface of the water. Gently thrust your hips forward, then backward, to propel yourself up to where your mouth just breaks the water's surface. Exhale sharply and quickly take a full breath. You will sink below the surface again. Other than the hip thrusts, there is no movement in this floating technique.

The back float is commonly used by recreational swimmers for short periods of rest. With a slightly arched back, lie on the surface of the water as if you were lying on a firm mattress. Keep your arms to your side and move them back and forth in small circles to keep your upper body on the surface. If you find your legs sinking, use small kicking movements to keep them near the surface.

Treading water has the swimmer in an up-and-down position like the vertical survival float, but the arms and legs are used to keep the head above the surface of the water at all times. To stay afloat, move the hands in a figure-eight pattern just under the water's surface and move the legs as if you were pedaling a bicycle. Treading water uses the most energy, and is used when the swimmer needs a better view of the surroundings.