Swimming

Swimming

Uncover Hidden Dream Meanings

Swimming is connected to our life experiences, in some respects our own philosophy.

Dreams about swimming can come in many different forms, but above all the dream is connected to our own emotions and the subconscious mind. Swimming has been a leisure activity since the Egyptian times, mainly as survival, appearing in our dreams when we are somewhat emotional. If you were swimming freestyle, breaststroke or even the dolphin kick a dream of swimming indicates in my view, greater improvements emotionally.

The dream of swimming in the sea is rather common and is connected to your attitude in life. I like to think that swimming, could be indicative of our own emotions and inner feelings about life. Carl Jung stated in his books that dreaming of swimming is associated with our own inner personal emotional storms. In most cases, whenever you see "water" in dreams, it is all about your subconscious emotions and feelings. A dream about swimming could be related to your own emotional management regarding the evolution of your feelings.

The type of water

I want to first say that the type of water is important. If the water is clear then this is positive. You could find yourself swimming in the lake, river, sea or a swimming pool. An outdoor swimming pool indicates, according to older dream lore that you will be lucky in love. If the swimming pool is inside then this indicates that you may be hiding your feelings. If you swim in the sea then this indicates that you need the wisdom to progress in life. If the water is blue and crystal clear then great times are ahead, however, if the water is murky or dirty this can mean problems. A lake seen in a dream is all about how you emotionally are standing still – just like the lake itself. Try to overcome any problems you are currently facing. To swim without ever reaching land in a dream can imply that things are going to end favorably in the coming weeks. Plunging or diving into the water before swimming in a dream can indicate that you will effectively negotiate strong emotions shortly. I will now move on to specifics around your dream.

As I have touched on already there are many factors within this dream to consider. For example, if you are swimming and enjoying the experience, then you feel your life is secure, and you feel loved. If the water is crystal blue, then you are beginning to evaluate your life and work towards a better resolution to sort out your existing problems. The action of swimming in a dream shows that you are trying to overcome any problems in an effective way. Additionally, this dream signifies the potential of a successful life. If you are on the top of the water just drifting, and not fighting or swimming against the current, then it shows you need to be in a fluid situation.

What does it mean to dream about swimming?

If the water supported you in any way, for example, if you were paddling rather than swimming, then things will begin to improve over the next few months. If you experienced a negative event, such as you were swimming against the current, then you may be feeling worried about the future, and this dream is a symbol of a cleansing period that is required in your life, in order to weave out any unsatisfactory problems. If you see yourself swimming in a river that is murky, it means you need to take care of yourself to prevent a minor illness. In a nutshell, any dream that signifies water is an ancient and universal symbol of your spiritual connection and a signal of what is likely to come in the future.

To dream of a swimming pool is normally a symbolic indication that over time you need to refresh and renew your inner thoughts. Many people dream of swimming pools when it is time to move back into a more enjoyable and pleasurable activity. It is important to understand this dream indicates that you need to reconnect with your subconscious mind.

To dream of swimming in a peaceful swimming pool it means that things are going to be calm in the future. If the swimming pool was not clean then things are going to be slightly taxing in the forthcoming future. If in your dream you see yourself swimming strokes (breaststroke, front crawl etc), this represents an outstanding and very positive time ahead.

If the swimming pool has any problems, such as contamination or bad conditions, then this dream refers to a difficult problem in the near future. To dream of swimming among rubbish or strange objects, it suggests that you are feeling annoyed about a friend, and it is time for you to get yourself back on track and take into account your possessions.

To swim with animals such as dolphins or whales it means that times are changing. Any dream that involves animals in a swimming pool indicates that you have heaps of energy, which sometimes swallows everything up. If you see a whale quietly swimming across the sea, then this dream means that you are independent. The dream should also teach you that you need to stop thinking about yourself and start thinking about others. To dream of swimming in a river, it indicates that some shifting towards a better life is ahead.

This dream is all about understanding your emotions and that you need to rely on someone to help you move forward. When you dream that you are swimming this generally implies your inner emotions. Put simply, if you are facing problems you will be able to see the “light at the end of the tunnel.” There are many reasons why you could find yourself suddenly swimming in a dream, but if you are swimming in the ocean then it is indicative of a “positive period in your life” which is going to commence shortly. There is a possibility of receiving a promotion from your boss or you may embark on a new relationship according to older dream lore. Swimming in a pool (which is a common dream) indicates a fresh outlook in life. The pool is essentially artificial and denotes that others will focus on your emotions in life, but your emotions may not be real. Learning to swim in a dream can indicate wealth and happiness in life, it represents the fact you are learning.

What does it mean to dream of swimming in a river?

A river in a dream represents suppressed emotions. Swimming in a river generally means that it is time for a new start in life. If the river current was flowing fast and pushing you along then this is a positive omen. A river can also signify that you will encounter some positive emotions going forward.

What does it mean to dream of swimming in a swimming pool?

I have touched on this above, swimming in a swimming pool indicates a new beginning but that things are likely to take shape in regards to your love life. The swimming pool can also imply that things will become clearer. This is because the water is so clear. In fact, it is crystal clear. This is the type of mindset you will follow going forward. If the swimming pool was large this can imply feelings about a certain matter connected to your relationships.

What does it mean to dream of swimming in the ocean?

Swimming in an ocean in a dream is connected to your emotions pulled in different directions, afterall, the ocean is around 70% of the Earths surface and obviously has gravitational tides. In a dream, the oceans indicate being calm but this can suggest that you may be worried about emotions, seeing a tidal wave or tsunami can indicate feeling overwhelmed by something that has happened to you. The ocean or sea can imply that you are working on an undercurrent of emotions. Also, think about the way you were swimming. Was it easy? This is important because if it is difficult then this can indicate that you may need to understand any problems going forward. Swimming underwater in the ocean in a dream can imply that there are hidden feelings in life.

What does it imply to dream about swimming with your partner?

Swimming with your partner is all about a relationship that you have with your partner. Swimming with your partner in the dream could mean that in the coming days, you will encounter some negative problems in your life. It will mostly affect your relationship whereby you will find yourself arguing with your partner. On the other hand, the dream could imply that you are going to encounter negativity in terms of communication in general. Swimming with someone you love indicates a possible negative thought process and it could be hard for those around you to understand what you are going through emotionally.

What does indicate to dream about swimming effortlessly?

To dream where you swim effortlessly such as freestyle or breaststroke suggests that you are going to encounter success in the coming days. If you are managing projects at the moment, this implies that things are going to be successful. It is the right time to start building new relationships with people and engaging in new partnerships as this will have a positive impact on your life. It is a time whereby you will feel happiest in life. To swim another stroke such as butterfly can indicate that you hold inner feelings right now.

What does it mean to dream about swimming backstroke?

Dreaming about swimming backstroke could imply illusions and that you are backing away from something in life. It may mean that you will find things from a different perspective. To swim in a swimming pool backward indicates a fight against your illusion. There is a focus on a misconception and they are trying their best to help you to overcome it. After this dream, it will be a good idea if you could start focusing on your real goals in life.

What does it imply to dream about being unable to swim?

A dream where you are unable to swim could mean that, in the upcoming period, you are going to go through some tough circumstances and this will breed negativity. The dream, in my view, is trying to prepare you so that when it eventually happens, you will be able to fight all the problems as soon as they appear. Such a dream indicates there might be complications into your life.

What does it denote to dream about swimming in a flood?

Dreaming about swimming in a flood (in older dream lore) can indicate that your encountering a failed project. If you are working on something challenging then this dream is connected to this. This is a very strange dream. A flood can indicate the “flood of emotions” which you will be unable to recover from, for a very long time. It could also be showing you that, what you have worked on for a very long time, investing in a lot of your time and money, is not going to be successful at the end of it all.
Try to remain positive you may need to remember that, you are going to learn from future failures and the dream is preparing you to focus on a more innovative future. Don’t waste your time thinking about the past but instead, try to concentrate on your future.

What does it imply to dream about swimming with the current?

Dreaming about swimming against the current could imply that, you are a person who likes expressing your emotions freely. In the coming days, you may need to be led by your emotions and feelings.

What does it mean to dream about swimming in the sea?

Seeing yourself swimming in the sea in your dream could mean you will achieve your long-term goals in the coming days. On the other hand, the dream could imply that you are going to have an improvement in your financial situation. I have covered the “ocean” dream above so please read that for more clarification. Swimming in the sea which is rough and potentially raging and the waves were large indicates, a scenario of your real life that needs closure. You may need to face a lot of difficulties and dramas but in time things will flow smoothly. In the case the sea was calm, it could mean that, in the coming days, there will be issues with family members, most notably a misunderstanding and thus the need to try and prevent it before it happens. I hope this gives some clarity.

What does it imply to dream about swimming towards someone?

Swimming towards someone in your dream could be a sign that, there are some goals in your life which you are desiring to achieve. On the other hand, the dream could be revealing your sexual attraction towards someone in your waking life. I kept having a dream of swimming to save my daughter from drowning, in this case, this was my anxiety over her starting school. I feel such dreams are connections and associations of our inner well-being.

What does it mean to dream about watching other people swim?

Watching a swimming race is a positive dream. A dream where you watch while others swim could mean that there is some work which is overwhelming you. This is quite interesting as it denotes there is no rest time for you, but you have no option since you have deadlines to meet.

What does it mean to dream about swimming in a murky river?

Swimming in a murky river in your dream could be a representation or a warning to protect yourself in order not to become ill in the coming days.

What does it denote to dream about swimming underwater?

When you have a dream where you swim underwater, it denotes that, you are currently dealing with emotional problems. You could alternatively have a desire to commence a new project. Underwater, as I have mentioned above, is connected to feeling trapped by emotions. Life per say, is sometimes upside down and this dream can indicate feeling obliged to take some time out for yourself to relax.

What does it imply to dream about struggling to swim?

When you have a dream where you are struggling to swim, it could imply that you are going to encounter some difficulties concerning a project or a task in the near future. Alternatively, it could be a sign that, you are going to be disappointed about something. Drowning after swimming in a dream indicates that you are feeling trapped by your own feelings.

What does it denote to dream about swimming in cold water?

Swimming in cold water in your dream could imply that you are going to encounter a certain event in the coming days, which is going to help you to avoid a certain problem. This is according to older dream lore. You are either going to learn something which is going to be crucial for your progress or you are going to meet someone who will be very important for your career.

What does it mean to dream about swimming to someone’s rescue?

Generally dreaming about swimming to save someone from drowning could be an indicator that, you are going to get material success in the coming days. There is someone who is going to enter into your life in the coming days and who will create a lot of influence, helping you to grow and achieve things which you have always thought about as unachievable.

Consider this a positive period in life - where you should go about investing in different projects which will bring financial gain to you. If at the moment if you are encountering money issues the dream is a sign that, all your money problems are going to become a thing of the past and you are going to be happy without any burden.

What does it denote to dream about swimming against the current?

Swimming against the current in your dream indicates that your life is about to experience some negativity. All the fields in your life are going to encounter resistance - and there will be a single plan to overcome any problems, which is going to become successful. If you are going through a challenging time in your life, you will need to avoid a lot of negativity entering by keeping your head high. Put on a strong fight and face whatever problems come your way and don’t let them weigh you down.

What does it mean to dream about swimming with other people?

Swimming with other people in your dream, such as a packed swimming pool, could be a sign that, you are surrounded by honest people. Those around you are always there, ready to assist in case you need them. Alternatively, the dream could be a warning that, you are not paying close attention to those around you and what they need. You could be having issues in your life which made you neglect others, the dream is a wake-up call to assisting other people.

What does it indicate to have a dream where you swim and later on drown?

A dream where you see yourself swimming and drowning could be a sign of encountering some problems which you will be unable to resolve. These problems could appear in your private or personal life, but whatever the case, they will be tough to solve. The best solution might be for you to move away from these problems and avoiding the indulging deeper into them. Stay away from trouble and concentrate on other things instead of those that might unnecessarily consume your time.

What does it mean to dream about swimming? When you have a dream of swimming towards a certain destination, it could be a positive indicator of a financial reward for the projects you are currently working on which will become successful.

What does it denote to dream about swimming freestyle, breaststroke or butterfly? Swimming butterfly in a swimming pool in your dream could be indicative of renewal of your inner thoughts. The butterfly indicates feeling reconnected with your subconscious. If the swimming pool in your dream appears peaceful, then in the coming days, you are going to have a calm and peaceful life ahead. Swimming breaststroke in your dream could be a sign that, it is time that you relaxed from the pressures of your day to day activities. If the swim stroke was front crawl  it could imply that you are burdened by situations in your life or in the coming days, you are going to encounter some problems, but as you use both hands in front crawl this can indicate feeling that life will take a turn for the better.

What does it denote to dream about swimming and floating or a dirty swimming pool? I am trying to pack this all in one meaning. So here goes. Swimming and floating in water in your dream could imply that certain bad situations in your life are going to improve in the coming days. A swimming pool that is in poor condition and yet you are swimming in it in your dream could be trying to forewarn you of difficult problems in the upcoming days. Seeing garbage in the swimming pool in your dream and yet you were swimming in it could imply that, in the near future, you maybe somewhat annoyed with a friend.

What does it imply to dream about swimming in the river?

A dream where you swim in the river could mean that there is someone you are madly in love with. Let me first say that your emotions might be overwhelming, resulting in forgetting basic responsibilities. After the dream, it will be best if you came back to your senses and started living a normal life. Remember that, besides love, you have other priorities in life.

What does it denote to dream about swimming away from someone?

When you dream that you are swimming away from someone, maybe even escaping, it means that you have a desire to escape from some unpleasant situations happening in your life at the moment. As water means emotions it could simply mean you are trying to escape a stressful situation.

What does it mean to dream about swimming with clothes on?

Dreaming that you are swimming with clothes on means that, you need protection and you greatly rely on other people. Such dreams appear when we are going through a difficult time in life and that you need help emotionally from friends or family.

What does it imply to dream about swimming with animals?

Swimming with animals in your dream could indicate some changes coming into your life. It could also be a sign that you have a vast amount of energy. On the other hand, it could be a sign that, you need to start taking care of other people’s needs. Seeing your cat or dog swimming implies making positive changes.

What does it mean to dream about swimming without clothes?

Dreaming about swimming without clothes could be a sign of high self-confidence. You trust in your abilities to get solutions to all your problems. You feel that you are currently in charge of your life and all the good things happening to you. For women, the dream could be a sign that you are committing adultery which might cost you.

What does it imply to dream about not being able to reach the shore swimming?

Being able to reach the shore swimming is a sign of delays. In old dream lore, swimming to land indicates temporal obstacles which are going to postpone the achievement of some of your goals. To reach the land implies everything will work out well.

To conclude, swimming in dreams indicates a period of emotional times ahead, it could be that you are going through a challenging time and basically this dream represents your emotions. When you have a dream where you enjoy swimming, then it denotes that, in real life, you feel secure and loved. You could be in the process of trying to overcome certain problems in your life in the most effective way. On the other hand, when you dream that you are swimming in general, it could imply that you are currently having a great time in life and that you are quite emotional at the moment.

Feelings that you may have encountered during a dream of swimming

Having fun. Enjoying. Surprised. Content. Amazed. Happy. Jolly.

In your dream you may have

  • Moved though gliding water.
  • Float on water or another liquid.
  • Execute a particular stroke when swimming.
  • You are swimming.
  • You are drowning while swimming.
  • Swimming in the sea.
  • Swimming in running water, such as a river.
  • Swimming in clear water.
  • Swimming in a sea with big waves.
  • Swimming in turbid and agitated water.
  • Swimming in a swimming pool.
  • Learning to swim.
  • Seeing other people swimming.

Positive changes are afoot if

  • The dream was a pleasant experience.
  • Swimming was enjoyable.
  • You are able to treat the condition successfully.
  • The dream resulted in peace and happy times.

By Flo Saul
Oct 16, 2012