Abstract: A process for teaching a person how to swim by using a swimsuit having a front portion with a variable buoyancy flotation device that acts to maintain a person in a swimming position, instructing a person how to use proper swimming techniques, and periodically adjusting the buoyancy of the flotation devices to reflect the swimming skills of the pupil. Additionally, an apparatus for practicing the method includes a swimsuit having a front portion covering the chest and abdominal region of a person wearing the swimsuit and one or more compartments in the front portion of the swimsuit to receive flotation devices which act to place the person wearing the swimsuit in a swimming position.