Caribe Nation, A question I get all the time is: “How do I know when I’m ready to move on to the next skill?” Good question. Because progress matters. And when you’re excited to improve, it’s easy to want to move on as fast as possible. But sometimes trying to progress too fast is the exact thing slowing you down. So here are 4 warning signs that tell you it’s time to stay where you are and clean things up first. Warning Sign #1: Water is going up your nose This usually means there’s still tension in your body. A lot of times what’s happening is simple: your face goes in, your body gets nervous, and you take a quick inhale through your nose. That’s not a floating problem. That’s a relaxation and breath-hold problem. What to do: Go back and practice a calm 20-second breath hold with your face in the water without floating. Do 10 reps. Your goal is simple: face in, no panic, no water in the nose. Warning Sign #2: You’re forcing your legs up If you’re kicking or lifting your legs to the surface and they fall right back down, you’re trying to create the float instead of allowing it. That’s not how floating works. We do not force a front float. We relax into it and let the water help us find our body’s natural position. What to do: Return to wall-supported front floats. Do 20 reps where your only goal is: face down legs relaxed no lifting no trying to “make it look right” Let the water do the work. Warning Sign #3: You’re tense in the float If your shoulders, hips, legs, or jaw feel tight, you’re not floating yet. You’re holding. And holding creates sinking. What to do: Shorten the float. Instead of trying to hold for 20 seconds, do 5-second relaxed floats. Do 15 reps. Only increase the time when the shorter float feels calm. Warning Sign #4: You’re worried about getting out of the float This is a big one. If you’re in the float thinking: “How do I stand up?” “What if I get stuck?” “I don’t want to let go of the wall…” Then your body is not ready for the next step yet.

If you are active in the community, please reply in the comments with "Fearless" BIG Love, Coach Jeff

Just wrapped up my first ever cruise to the Caribbean. I was in the pool, hot tub or ocean literally every single day for a week. I feel so overwhelmed with gratitude to this community. Learning how to swim has been a life-changing experience. I felt no dread, anxiety or worry going on this trip. In fact, I felt excited to get in the pool and dabble in the ocean. I didn't feel left out or embarrassed by my lack of swimming skills. I was able to jump in there and enjoy the water just like everyone else. If you haven't yet fully jumped into doing the courses or you're still waiting on the sidelines, please do yourself a favor and jump right in today. Make this the year that you learn how to swim. I'm so grateful I embarked on this journey and I feel so happy that for the rest of my life I will be able to do water activities with joy and relaxation!

Caribe Nation Community, Please help me in welcoming 2 new members to the 3-Day Floating Challenge: @Priyanka Airody Ramakrishna @Bharti Ahuja This entire community is here to help you build your swimming foundation! Please take a moment and introduce yourself and share 1 or 2 of your swimming goals! Welcome! Coach Jeff & Coach Meredith.

Caribe Nation Women, I am preparing a video and need your help. What WERE your top 5 reasons?