7/09/2025

ON SUNDAY September 7, 2025 theSunday Special VII

The seven levels of swimming: A roadmap for everyone Try Swim Global’s method is designed to remove intimidation and bring clarity. Seven distinct levels guide a learner from water-shy beginner to elite swimmer: • Water familiarisation: Building comfort and safety – blowing bubbles, ÀRDWLQJ OHDUQLQJ WR UHOD[ • Basic skills: Kicking, gliding and simple treading water. • Stroke introduction: Freestyle, backstroke fundamentals and breath control. • Stroke development: Greater en durance, more strokes and improved technique. • Proficiency: All four strokes with SURSHU IRUP SOXV GLYHV DQG ÀLS WXUQV • Pre-competition: Speed drills, intervals, racing strategy. • Elite level: Competitive readiness, including nutrition and mental prepa ration. Most adults, Amaruddin noted, can master a stroke in just 4 to 12 lessons if WKH\ DOUHDG\ KDYH EDVLF ZDWHU FRQ¿GHQFH Children usually need 8 to 16 lessons, depending on age and comfort level. “ 7KH NH\ LV SURJUHVVLRQ ´ KH H[SODLQHG “We treat it like a staircase. You don’t jump from the ground to the roof. You go step by step.” It’s not too late and you’re not alone Many adults shy away from swimming lessons because they feel it’s “too late” or “too embarrassing.” But Amaruddin dismisses this quickly. “That’s one of the biggest myths,” he said. “We have 75-year-old students. The only real mistake is never trying.” Fear of drowning, deep water or even being seen in a swimsuit is a common hurdle, but none are insurmountable. “We start in shallow water. We focus RQ EUHDWK FRQWURO :H R̆ HU IHPDOH RQO\ classes. We work at your pace,” he reas sured. “Swimming is for everyone, regardless of body type, age or ability.”

We treat it like a staircase. You don’t jump from the ground to the roof. You go step by step.”

D LVFLSOLQH FRQ¿GHQFH DQG OLIH lessons Beyond health, swimming also instils life VNLOOV WKDW H[WHQG IDU EH\RQG WKH SRRO “Swimming teaches kids discipline. They learn to face discomfort such as cold water, tough drills and push through,” Amaruddin said. “And when they succeed, they gain FRQ¿GHQFH WKDW VSLOOV RYHU LQWR VFKRRO friendships, everything.” One memorable case was a boy so terrified of water that even showering was a struggle. “Now he swims all four strokes,” Ama ruddin said proudly. “That kind of transformation no money can buy.” In another instance, three students who had just started classes with him proudly declared that they had become the fastest swimmers in their grade within three months. “It’s the joy of seeing their growth that keeps me going,” he smiled. “Swimming is about trust. Trust in the coach, trust in yourself and trust in the water.” What to look for in a swimming programme Choosing the right programme can make DOO WKH GL̆ HUHQFH $PDUXGGLQ¶V WLSV LQ clude: • I QVWUXFWRU TXDOL¿FDWLRQV Coaches should have at least a Bronze Medal OLRQ RU HTXLYDOHQW FHUWL¿FDWLRQ • Class size: Small groups ensure more attention. Try Swim Global caps private classes at four and group ses VLRQV DW VL[ • Track record: If progress isn’t visible after 20 lessons, it may be time to switch. • Inclusivity: A good school should respect modesty needs, accommodate GL̆ HUHQW DJHV ERG\ W\SHV DQG DELOL ties and welcome people with special needs. A vision for the future After 15 years in the pool, Amaruddin is still driven by the same spark. “The best part is when kids say they love water because I made it fun and safe for them,” he said. “That’s my reward.” Looking ahead, he hopes to see swim ming become a national priority. He envisions more schools with trained instructors, mobile pools in rural areas and greater recognition of swimming as a universal life skill, not just a sport for the privileged. “If every Malaysian could swim, we’d not only prevent countless tragedies but also build a healthier, more confident nation,” he said. S R ZKHWKHU \RX¶UH ¿YH RU VHYHQW\ ¿YH DQ[LRXV RU HDJHU LW¶V QHYHU WRR ODWH WR GLYH in. Swimming is more than a set of strokes; it’s empowerment, safety and joy. “Swimming isn’t just a skill. It’s a gift you give yourself,” as Amaruddin puts it.

H H UHFDOOHG D PDQ LQ KLV VL[WLHV ZKR FDPH LQ WHUUL¿HG RI HYHQ GLSSLQJ KLV IDFH underwater. “Within a month, he was swimming across the pool. The pride on his face was priceless,” Amaruddin shared. Cultural and social roadblocks and how to overcome them In Malaysia, the barriers to swimming often go beyond fear. Cultural modesty, particularly among Malay and Muslim women, is a key concern. Swimwear rules at public pools sometimes disallow burkinis and gender-segregated classes are rare. Cost also plays a role. Many B40 fami OLHV YLHZ VZLPPLQJ DV D ³OX[XU\ VSRUW ´ On top of this, most schools lack access to pools or trained instructors. “We’re working on mobile swim pro grammes for underserved communities,” $PDUXGGLQ H[SODLQHG “Swimming shouldn’t be a privilege. It should be a right.” Generational fear is another challenge. Parents who never learned to swim often SDVV GRZQ WKHLU DQ[LHW\ WR FKLOGUHQ 7R address this, Try Swim Global runs “par

ent and child” sessions that encourage families to learn together, breaking the cycle of fear. Why swimming is a hidden wellness hack Yes, swimming can save your life, but it can also transform it. Physically, it’s one of the best full-body workouts available. It builds cardiovas cular endurance, strengthens muscles, LPSURYHV IOH[LELOLW\ DQG KHOSV PDQDJH weight. Importantly, it does all this with out stressing the joints. That’s why doctors often recommend it to those recovering from injuries or living with arthritis. “The water supports your body,” Ama UXGGLQ H[SODLQHG “It’s ideal for rehab and older adults.” Mentally, the benefits are equally powerful. The rhythmic breathing and repetitive movement reduce stress, boost mood and sharpen focus. Studies even show that swimming can be as effec tive as antidepressants for treating mild depression. “There’s something healing about water,” Amaruddin said. “You feel lighter, emotionally too.”

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