Take the plunge and have fun! The water's calling you. You can almost feel your arms slicing through the water, your legs kicking in rhythm, and your breaths times to your strokes as your body propels forward. Learning to swim-or to swim better-is high on your must-do list, and you've decided now's the time. Whether your goal is to take advantage of the low-impact workout swimming provides, reintroduce yourself to strokes and techniques you've forgotten, or teach your children (or yourself! ) to swim, this helpful guide gives you everything you need to know to dive in and make your way through the water. In it, you get- A clear picture of the health benefits swimming provide-regardless of age, athletic ability, or skill level. Move-by-move instructions for mastering the freestyle, backstroke breaststroke, and butterfly, along with the kicks for each. Tips for transitioning from stroke to stoke, successfully turning at the end of a lap, and learning the versatile dolphin kick. Tons of training tricks, from stretching to strength training, plus supplemental drills to perfect your form in the water. Advice on out-of-the-water issues like injury prevention and care, combating chlorine burn, choosing the best suit and goggles, and much more.