I need to leard how to tread water for 2 minutes without using my
hands.  I need the exact motions of legs movements.  I also need to
trad water for 10 minutes using hands and legs.  I ned to find out the
best way of accomplishing this least amont of energy.

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Clarification of Question by mrsleek-ga on 22 Oct 2005 15:50 PDT

If you include links, please make sure they have illustrations.

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Request for Question Clarification by cynthia-ga on 22 Oct 2005 16:27 PDT

mrsleek,

It can be done, but it's a workout for those folks without much body
fat to help keep them afloat. I assume you are trying to qualify for
lifeguard duty, because this requirement is common in all lifeguarding
tests.

I am not posting this as an answer because I want you to try these
suggestions first, watch the video I linked you to, and get back to
me.  If you find this information has helped you, let me know and I
will repost it as your Answer.

How To Tread Water With No Arms:

Keep your head BACK, this puts your chest (lungs) forward. Not too far
because going onto your back can disqualify you. WHen you start to
sink, throwing your head back will stop you from going under. Also,
when breathing, don't expel ALL the air in your lungs, breathe shallow
--always leaving some air in your lungs, this makes you more bouyant.
For the best results, the movement your legs should be making is the
breaststroke kick or scissors kick (sidestroke kick, but vertical) If
you start to sink, put your head back more. Don't keep it there, just
toss it back for a couple seconds.  If you leave your head back you
will go onto your back. The standard bike-riding kick (dog-paddle) is
what you want to avoid, instead, if you must use it, keep your legs
very straight, toes pointed, as in the freestyle kick.

The scissors works well because you bring your legs UP, extend them,
then bring them together while extended. This forces your body upwards
(or forward when sidestroking).

Sculling
http://www.useakayak.org/sculling.html

When you can use your arms, learn to scull. Sculling is like treading
water without using your legs. If you can scull, you can tread water.
A major trick is to keep your fingers together. Move your arms
horizontal to the surface of the water, fingers together, grabbing
water and scooping it downwards in both directions.  The angle of your
hand does this.

Here's a page where your question is being discussed:

Treading water for idiots (disregard the title, not my choice!)
http://www.coachesinfo.com/discuss/9/4115.html

Here's a page with a video:

Smart Hands
http://www.goswim.tv/drilloftheweek_comments.php?id=1398_0_20_0_C


Let me know if this helps.

PS to myoarin,  from mrsleeks wording, I think he is taking a test,
and will not be allowed to be on his back. He'll update and let us
know.


~~Cynthia

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Clarification of Question by mrsleek-ga on 28 Oct 2005 11:33 PDT

Thank you for your reply.  I am preparing to be a Coast Guard Officer.
 I have to be able to complete the above exercises to pass the water
fitness test.  The sites are very good; even though the video makes me
sick as to how the swimmer is staying afloat (his effortless approach
looks like he has a life jacket on).  However I will try the methods
and get back to you next week.

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Request for Question Clarification by cynthia-ga on 28 Oct 2005 23:46 PDT

I've been thinking about this, I suspect that because of your obvious
fitness and lack of body fat, it may be easier for you to use the
frestyle kick. The breaststroke kick is too slow, and the scissors
kick is not going to move enough water.

In any event, try them all.  I'll be anxious to hear how my
suggestions work for you.

~~Cynthia

Do you really have to actively tread water for two/ten minutes, or do
you just have to survive?  I assume that this is for kind of
qualification or test to assure that you won't drown.  For such a
practical test, floating, swimming on your back with just your legs,
etc., should be just as valid.

But maybe I have missed the boat.

Certainly one way to save energy is not to try to keep your head
completely out of the water at all times.

Can you swim?  (Kind of late to ask)

Thanks, Cynthia, I guess a life guard has to be "heads up" for his job.
Wouldn't want it any other way, though sounds more like a pure stamina
test, which is also a good idea, I'd want someone rescuing me to be
able to scissor kick for two minutes.
Myoarin

Thank you for your reply.  I am preparing to be a Coast Guard Officer.
 I have to be able to complete the above exercises to pass the water
fitness test.  The sites are very good; even though the video makes me
sick as to how the swimmer is staying afloat (his effortless approach
looks like he has a life jacket on).  However I will try the methods
and get back to you next week.