Enjoying many water sports you will sometimes fall into the water fully clothed. You may lose your balance, or your boat capsizes, or you decide to jump in for a spontaneous swim.

When falling into the water, the water won't always be shallow enough for the feet to reach the bottom. It's a good idea to do some exercise to enhance the awareness that there will be places where the feet will reach bottom, and those where they will not.

The resistance from the water logged clothes makes swimming and climbing out a bit more challenging. The more you practice falling in, the better you'll be prepared for when it happens eventually.

Practice falling in unexpectedly

Make sure you keep this safe. Find a pool or a beach with good depth and no underwater obstructions. Bring a few friends to create unexpected situations; this is usually good fun. Fall in backwards or roll up in a ball. Notice any air pockets in your clothes that give you buoyancy. You'll soon gain more confidence.

It can be surprisingly exhausting to fall in and climb out in quick succession several times. If you can do it in six times or more per minute you're good.

Recommended Clothing

Plenty of robust clothes like sweatshirts, jeans, rainwear, socks and shoes. Start with light clothing and put on more each time until you're fully clothed.

TAKE CARE !   FALL INTO WATER CAREFULLY !