[header] How to learn to swim as an adult [title] Spend some time in the shallow end of the pool. [step] If you don't have much experience in the water, it can be helpful to get comfortable just being in the pool before you tackle swimming. Spend some time moving around in water that is shallow enough that you can stand on the bottom of the pool with your head still above the water. 
[title] Buy ear plugs and goggles to make swimming more comfortable. [step] Having water in your eyes and ears isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it can feel strange and distracting when you first begin swimming.