treading water and rotary breathing

Question
Dear Kate, At 48 years of age I live only to learn to swim. I cant seem to turn my head, open my mouth and take a breath while swimming. Also my instructor and I are trying everything she knows to help me tread water. I cant find a hand movement and kick that work to keep my nose and mouth above the water while I attempt to stay a float. Please help me I've been taking lessons off and on for years, I refuse to quit.. I love the water..God bless you..Benji from Ocean City Maryland...

Answer
Hi Benji,

This may sound very basic but how often do you practice with a kickboard while swimming?  It takes a lot of time and effort practicing with the kickboard to get the timing for the breathing correct. Then when you go to breath be sure that you breath at the point then your arm is elbow back and just coming out of the water. If you breath toward the end of your stroke when your arm is almost back in the water you will litterally swap your ability to breath.

Also, ask your instructor about using the kick that is similar to the breast stroke kick when your try to tread. (I can do the others but always resort back to that kick.

I always think it is wonderul that someone wants to learn to swim well.  Best of luck.  Let me know if you need any more pointers or if you have tried these I would be more then happy to offer more pointers.

Kate