Q&A for How to Prepare to Go Swimming

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Can I put my hair in braids for the pool?

Community Answer

Yes! That can help keep your hair from getting in your way while you swim.

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Question

How do I protect my ears during swimming?

Alicia elizabeth

Community Answer

You should bring earplugs to swim. You can also buy ear drops that dry up the water in your ear. You can also wear a swim cap to cover your ears.

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Question

Do you have to wash your hair?

Community Answer

Not before swimming, but afterwards, yes, to wash out the chlorine.

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Question

Where should I put my cosmetics?

Community Answer

If your bag has a spare compartment, put them there. If it doesn't, put them in a ziplock bag.

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Question

Why do I have to stretch before swimming?

Community Answer

Stretching will help prepare the muscles for a sudden change in density and prevent cramps.

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Question

What type of hairstyle should I do for the pool?

Community Answer

A french braid or a bun are good to fit under a swim cap. If you have shorter hair, pull your hair back into a ponytail and tuck it inside the swim cap. If you do not have a swim cap, then pull your hair back as securely as possible.

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Question

Where do you get goggles?

Community Answer

All big box stores, like Target and KMart, should have them. You can also check sports stores, many hardware stores in the summer, pool supply stores, beach and surf shops, and online.

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Question

How do I get rid of cramp in my foot?

Community Answer

Wait for it to pass. Usually, cramps go away after a little while. Some mild stretching might help, but you shouldn't go swimming until it goes away.

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Question

Why do I need to take a shower before entering the pool?

Community Answer

When you enter a pool, you will bring all your germs along with you into the water. A shower beforehand will rinse all of those germs. If the pool is not heated, a shower may also help you get used to the water temperature faster.

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Question

What should I do if I'm not confident at all and I always place last at swimming events?

Community Answer

Keep trying! You will eventually get faster at swimming. If you are not confident, you should spend more time in the water practicing. If you swim once a week, try to swim twice or three times a week.

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Question

Why do I have to shower before and after the pool, since when you just came out of water, you're clean?

Community Answer

You don't have to shower before the pool, but you should shower afterward. Pool water contains chlorine, which should be washed away after swimming.

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Question

How do I streamline?

Community Answer

Streamlining is when you put both of your arms above your head and they angle toward each other so that your hands are on top of each other. Your arms should be just behind your ears and you should try to feel like you're stretching really far. If it feels like your toes and fingers are reaching away from each other, that's good.

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Question

How can I build arm strength and leg strength?

Rey Starchaser

Top Answerer

Consider investing in a kickboard and pull buoy. With a kickboard, you can hold it with your hand and just use your feet to propel yourself through the water, which will help build leg strength. With a pull buoy, put it between your legs and just use your arms to propel yourself through the water, which can help build arm strength.

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Question

Is it okay to smoke before going swimming?

Community Answer

Yes, although the smoke could tighten your chest and lungs, making it more difficult for you to breathe. Difficulty breathing while swimming can be extremely dangerous, so if you're going to smoke before swimming, be cautious and pay attention to your breathing.

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Question

What can I use other than sunscreen?

Community Answer

There are not many other things you can apply to your body to protect you from the sun, but you can cover your skin with clothes to prevent a sunburn.

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Question

Can I use rash guard for swimming?

Community Answer

Yes, but you still need to put on sunblock in the other places.

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Question

What type of sunscreen is recommended?

Rey Starchaser

Top Answerer

Most physicians recommend SPF 30 or higher. Don't forget to apply it 15 minutes before going outside so it has time to soak in and reapply every 2 hours.

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Question

Should I shower naked or in my swimsuit?

Community Answer

Generally, if you're showering before or after swimming, you will shower with your swimsuit on (assuming you're using an outdoor pool shower).

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Question

I wear glasses with a prescription so high that when I take them off, I only see blurry shapes. How can I wear goggles?

Rey Starchaser

Top Answerer

Invest in a nice pair of prescription goggles. These are googles that work like glasses so you don't have to worry about not being able to see.

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