text: how do you float in a swimming pool.? i had taken swimming lessons but still can't float. lean back and relax. think of your lungs as a balloon.  as long as there is air in your body, you will float.  the trick is not to panic.  if you do, your body will take in shorter amounts of air, and it will be a lot harder to stay afloat.  just relax and take in big and slow breaths.  try it in the shallow end until you feel more comfortable.