Treading Water

Compared with the drownproofing sequence, treading water lets the swimmer maintain visibility and retain more body heat since his head is out of the water. However, it requires more physical exertion.



Body position. Keep the body upright with the head out of the water.

Hand and arm movements. Make slow sculling movements underwater to maintain the vertical body position.

Leg Movements. Make slow, continuous bicycle-like or scissor-kick type movements to support the body.

Exercise Tip:

Raise your arms above your head and use just the legs to keep afloat. This is very exhausting. Add more clothes as you get stronger.

Safety Tip:

In an emergency remove any heavy boots or coats but retain the rest of your clothing.