I step ever so carefully into the water at the shallow end.
Not too quickly, I don't want to get the whole of me wet.
I see the others splashing and jumping in at the deep end.
The deep end, the deepest end, oh it's not for me, not yet.

Almost all in now, with just my head and shoulders in air.
The shivers are subsiding, and I can start to breathe at last.
I bend my knees, take in a breath, and bravely wet my hair.
Not so bad, I'm in again, so it's time for swimming fast.

Keeping my head above the water,
I'm swimming fast, but not for long.
Don't let my eyes touch the water.
I won't be last, but my style's all wrong.

The other side is very close as I stop, feet down and rest.
Not bad for me, ten whole metres, a width without a break.
The stop here, holding on to the side is the bit I like best
I love to look back and see all the bubbles and froth I make.

Now I make my way, along the edge, to the end that's deep.
It's the only way I can do a length, to peter out in shallow.
Pushing off from the end, I strike a rhythm I hope I can keep.
I'm pulling, and kicking, ignoring all the water I swallow.

Keeping my head above the water,
I'm swimming fast, but not for long.
Don't let my eyes touch the water.
I won't be last, but my style's all wrong.