Q&A for How to Prepare for the Swimming Unit in Gym Class

The pool should have a shallow end. Also, you should tell the teacher and ask him/her if they can help teach you.

I would suggest informing your teacher that your suit is too small and you feel uncomfortable wearing it in front of other students. She may have another one you could use, or she may allow you to sit out until the next class.

Not necessarily; you should be able to put back on the underwear that you were wearing when you arrived. If you'd prefer a clean pair, though, it's fine to bring an extra pair.

Everybody feels that way. Believe it or not, the guys feel uncomfortable in front of you too. (And the people who make comments about other people's bodies are the most insecure of all.) The best thing to do is just focus on yourself and your swimming and ignore your discomfort and what the guys are doing/looking at/thinking/etc. Most likely you'll get a little more comfortable as time goes on.

Start by looking in a large department store, or looking around online. If you're in a department store, the sales staff should be able to help you find a suitable swim suit.

Address your concerns with your teacher, who shouldn't push you to do something you're scared of. Start off slowly in the pool. Use the ladder or steps to get into the pool, and stay where you can still stand (or wherever you feel comfortable). If you really can't stand the idea of getting into the pool, ask your teacher if there's a way you can opt out of the unit. Offer a different assignment you could do, such as a report on Olympic swimming or helping out the teacher by keeping time or carrying equipment.

You should stay in the shallow end, and tell the teacher you are not ready to go to the deeper end. They should understand, and work with you to improve your skills.

Even if you're already on a swim team, you'll probably still need to take your gym class swim unit. You may be one of the more advanced swimmers among your peer group; let the gym coach know that you're on a swim team, and he or she may ask you to help some of the inexperienced swimmers.

You can let your teacher know that you're on your period. Most teachers will understand and won't make you swim then.

That's up to your gym teacher. Ask first.

You probably won't be able to swim that day. Do your best to not forget your suit. If possible, pack your bag the night before, or write yourself a reminder note and leave it somewhere you will definitely see it in the morning.

They should, but there are lots of different styles and materials to choose from.

One-pieces are usually the right way to go when in doubt. They are less revealing and can improve your time because of less drag. You don't want everyone else to show up in one-pieces and then be the one person in a two-piece. You can also pay attention to see if the instructions specify. If they say nothing revealing, then stick with a one-piece.

It's completely up to you. You don't have to change in front of your peers if it makes you uncomfortable.

Get a swim cap. It will keep your hair out of your way and mostly dry.

You can always change in the bathroom.

There's nothing you need to do besides get to know her like you would get to know anyone else! Just start a conversation with her, maybe about a swimming exercise you're both doing.

No, you should wear a swimsuit, as this should be less revealing, and will make you more comfortable when you are swimming. Your bra and underwear are also not waterproof and are more likely to slide off in the water.

If you feel that you will have to go to the bathroom during a swimming unit, you should probably wear a two-piece swimsuit. This way it is much easier to put back on. Of course, if you go into a stall to pee, no one will see you getting undressed anyway.

It's okay to notice girls. Just don't stare at them. You probably wouldn't like to be stared at in your swimsuit, and they don't either.

Unless you are outside, no, you do not need to wear sunscreen during the swimming unit.