Float Towards Open Water

How to Float Toward the Unknown (And Stay Calm Doing It)
Build Confidence One Glide at a Time

Today’s Focus:

The mental shift from safety to trust when learning to float…

Let’s Unpack:

When we teach adults how to float, we start with the safe stuff — floating on and/or towards the wall.
It feels secure. Familiar. Reassuring.

But eventually, there’s a moment that every swimmer meets:

Suddenly, the open pool feels BIG.
And the wall? Too far behind to comfort us.

Here’s the truth:

There’s no physical difference between gliding toward a wall and gliding into the open water…

But mentally? It’s a whole different game.

That’s why we treat this as a mindset practice, not just a physical skill.

Watch my full explanation here:

Let’s discuss a few Pro Tips that will help:

Tip 1: Redirect Your Focus

Instead of thinking, “I’m floating into the unknown…”
Think, “What does the water feel like against my fingertips?”

By placing your attention on the feeling of the water — on your fingers, or your arms, you gently pull focus away from fear.

Tip 2: Reclaim Your Safety

Even in the open pool, you’re still in shallow water.
You can stand up anytime.
You’re still safe.

Your safety points are:

• Bringing your knees to your chest

• Standing up calmly when you need to

• Trusting the water to hold you — when you let it

Say it aloud if you need to:

If the Fear Creeps In… Do This:

If you are still panicking when floating towards open water, lets take a step back and complete the following process:

Step 1: Go back to floating toward the wall again — 20, 30, even 100 reps if needed. Repetition builds trust.

Step 2: After each successful glide, take one step backward.
Glide again. Step back. Glide again. Repeat.

Eventually, you’ll be floating from halfway across the pool — and your brain won’t even notice the shift.

Each repetition is one repetition closer to you completely trusting the water and having the confidence necessary to float towards the open water.

Final Thoughts:

The wall isn’t what keeps you safe — your awareness does.
The more you practice, the more confident you become.
Confidence builds trust.
With trust, you WILL float in any direction, towards or away from the wall.

Do not give up.

Trust the water. Trust your body. You’re doing it.

Big love,
Coach Jeff & Coach Meredith
Caribe Swim Founders