text: how can i ,learn to swim without a teacher?   learn to float face down, arms above head in water depth you are comfortable and safe.  start by fingertips hanging on to side if you have to, but eventually, this must be without support. turn head, swing one arm back towards body along surface, elbow curved and turn your face up that direction just enough for inhale.  exhale while face back in water. once you can do this for an extended time, add kicking to move around.