How do you not swallow water when swimming?
Andrew Campbell
Updated on February 21, 2026
By breathing out under the water, all you have to do is then breathe in when you turn your head. Practise breathing out under the water when you get in – you don't need a lungful, just enough to get through 3-4 strokes.
How do I stop swallowing water when swimming?
Exhale slowly and comfortablyAs your head enters the water, practice opening your lips slightly and gently breathing out. As you swim, exhale gently through both your nose and mouth, or just your mouth – whichever you find most comfortable. [Tip: a nose clip can help you breathe out of your mouth more comfortably.]
Is it normal to swallow water swimming?
Inadvertently inhaling or "swallowing" water during your swim can contribute to recreational water illness (RWI) that can be serious or sometimes fatal.How much water do swimmers swallow?
Our study population of 549 participants, which was about evenly divided by gender, and young and adult swimmers, indicated that swimmers ingest about 32 mL per hour (arithmetic mean) and that children swallowed about four times as much water as adults during swimming activities.How can I increase my lung capacity for swimming?
4 Ways To Improve Lung Capacity While Swimming
- Remember to ExhaleYou should be exhaling when you go underwater. ...
- Keep Your Breathing SteadyMake sure that you aren't breathing too fast or too slow. ...
- Breathe with Each StrokeEvery second stroke take a deep breathe to ensure that you are taking enough air into your lungs.
How to breathe when swimming freestyle [No more choking on water]
Why can't I hold my breath underwater?
Holding your breath for too long underwater, especially while alone, can lead to fainting or blacking out while you are still underwater. This can happen even if you are in shallow water. This phenomenon is called a shallow water blackout or hypoxic blackout.Can swallowing pool water make you vomit?
Dr Cichi says that If swallowed, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as an upset stomach, nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramping and diarrhoea, which may seem similar to food poisoning or stomach flu.Is swimming a great way to lose weight?
The bottom lineIf you're not a fan of the gym or can't participate in certain activities due to joint pain, swimming is an excellent way to get into shape. It's a great workout for losing weight, increasing muscle tone, and strengthening your heart.