How Not to Drown, Monday, September 1, Period 3

[sith_happened]

The swimming class was meeting in the basement pool of the dorms (Anakin had provided rather elaborate directions for those, like him, who had forgotten it existed), and their two instructors were waiting for them by the side of the pool with their legs dangling into the water.

"Hello, everyone," Anakin said with a casual wave. "We're here to learn to swim. I'm sorry if the chlorine is burning your eyes, but we had to give the pool a thorough cleaning after relocating the squid."

That was a normal thing to mention, right? He gestured to the dark-haired man to his left. "This is Commander Steve McGarrett, who you might recognize from his work at the Trooper Station. He's also a Navy SEAL."

"Retired, now," Steve said with a slightly tight smile. "And I'm not actually anything like a seal, the animal. SEAL stands for Sea, Air and Land, and we're the United States Navy's premiere special operators. Among our skills is, well, swimming. I'm here to assure you that no one will actually drown."

Steve dropped down into the water with a small splash. "The first thing to do is to get comfortable in the water," he said, "so everyone hop into the shallow end. Your feet will be on the bottom of the pool, so there's nothing to be afraid of." He sent Anakin a slightly puzzled look. "Especially now that the squid is relocated."

"Introduce yourselves as you jump in," Anakin added, sliding into the water.

Comments

Swimming

[grenadesandohana]

Steve took over here, moving gracefully through the water despite a visibly red surgical scar going vertically from his abdomen to his pecs. "Okay, we're going to start really slow and easy," he said. "Put your hands onto the side of the pool, let your legs float up behind you, and then start kicking. Keep your legs long and straight and generate your power from your hips and core, not your knees."

He demonstrated the position. "If you feel comfortable, put your face into the water as well, between your arms, and blow bubbles."

Re: Swimming

[thatsmysword]

Henry held up his hand, a question written all over his face.

Re: Swimming

[grenadesandohana]

"Yes," Steve replied. "What's the question?"

Re: Swimming

[thatsmysword]

"When you say core, do you mean like here," Henry said, waving at his chest over his heart, "Or here--" Waving a bit lower and non-innuendoy, thank you, "Or is it more of a metaphor for here?"

And that was a wave at his head.

Re: Swimming

[grenadesandohana]

"Oh, good question," Steve said with a smile. "Stomach muscles, mostly," he said, pointing to the non-innuendoy lower portion of Henry. "You want to use your entire body as you swim. If you just use the muscles in part of your legs, you'll get tired faster."