Negative buoyancy in humans sounds scary, but it’s very common and nothing to be concerned about. I’m going to talk about what causes it, how to know if you have it, and what you can do to continue swimming.
So what causes negative buoyancy in humans? It’s all about density. The human body is denser than water; as a result, those who go into the water but can’t swim may face danger. It’s essential to understand the concept and the solutions.
Are you ready to find out if you’re negatively buoyant, and if so, what you can do about it? No, you don’t have to give up swimming. But first, let’s look deeper into the reasons why.

Why Do Humans Become Negatively Buoyant?
Humans become negatively buoyant in water because their overall density is higher than in the water they’re submerged in. This is primarily due to the composition of the human body, which is made up of various tissues, fluids, and gasses, all with different densities.
For example, bones are dense and heavy, while muscles and organs are less so. Additionally, the air in the lungs and the gasses dissolved in the blood can affect the body’s overall density.
When the density of the human body is higher than the density of the water, the body will sink and experience negative buoyancy.
The exact density of the human body can vary based on factors such as body composition, age, and gender. However, in general, the density of the human body is slightly higher than that of freshwater, which is why humans tend to sink in water.
In saltwater, the human body is less likely to sink as fast or as far as in freshwater. You’ve all heard of the Dead Sea between Israel and Jordan, right? It’s 34% salt and virtually impossible to sink in, regardless of your body type.
How Do You Know If You Are Negatively Buoyant?
If you’re in the water and start sinking instead of floating, you’re likely experiencing negative buoyancy. What this means is that the force of gravity acting on your body is greater than the upward force of the water, causing you to sink.
You can also determine if you are negatively buoyant by performing a simple test called the “sink or float” test. This involves taking a deep breath and submerging yourself in water.
If you sink to the bottom, you are negatively buoyant. If you float, you are positively buoyant. If you remain suspended at a certain depth, you are neutrally buoyant.
It’s important to note that the density of water can vary based on factors such as temperature, salinity, and pressure. Therefore, your buoyancy may also vary depending on the specific water conditions you are in.
Why Does My Body Not Float in Water?
If the density of your body is higher than that of the water you’re in, you will sink and not float. Body composition can also affect your ability to float in water. People with higher amounts of muscle and bone and lower amounts of fat tend to have a higher density, making it harder for them to float. (source)
Body position can also affect your buoyancy in water. If you’re in a horizontal position, your body has more surface area in contact with the water, which can increase drag and resistance, making it harder for you to float.
On the other hand, if you are in a vertical position, your body has less surface area in contact with the water, which can reduce drag and resistance, making it easier to float.
Are Skinny People More Buoyant?
Not necessarily. Body buoyancy depends on the body’s overall density, which is influenced by various factors, including body composition, fat distribution, and bone density.
While people with higher amounts of body fat tend to be more buoyant, being skinny doesn’t necessarily mean a person is less buoyant. In fact, some very lean individuals with low body fat may have a higher muscle mass, increasing their overall density and making them less buoyant.
As I mentioned earlier, many factors contribute to negative buoyancy. Lung capacity, breathing technique, and body position can also affect a person’s buoyancy in water.
For example, taking a deep breath and holding it can increase a person’s overall buoyancy, while lying flat on the water’s surface can reduce drag and make it easier to float.
Ultimately, a person’s buoyancy in water is unique to their individual body composition and other factors, and it can be affected by various factors such as water temperature, salt content, and depth.
Can People With Negative Buoyancy Swim?
Yes, people with negative buoyancy can swim. However, swimming can be more challenging for those with negative buoyancy because they naturally tend to sink in water.
To swim effectively with negative buoyancy, it’s essential to use proper techniques and equipment to counteract the sinking effect. Adjusting your body position and breathing techniques can also improve your buoyancy and make swimming easier.
It’s important to note that swimming with negative buoyancy can be more physically demanding than swimming with neutral or positive buoyancy, as it requires more effort to stay afloat and move through the water.
Therefore, ensuring you have the necessary skills, equipment, and physical conditioning before engaging in water activities is vital.
Suppose you need more clarification about your ability to swim with negative buoyancy. In that case, seek guidance from a qualified instructor or swim coach who can provide proper training and advice.
Here’s a look at the different ways to improve swimming if you have negative buoyancy.
How Do You Treat Negative Buoyancy?
Negative buoyancy is not a medical condition or an illness but rather a physical property that can affect a person’s ability to float in water. Therefore, there is no one-fix solution.
However, there are ways to counteract the effects of negative buoyancy and improve your ability to float in water. Here are five strategies that can help:
1. Adjust Your Body Position
By adjusting your body position, you can change the amount of surface area in contact with the water, affecting your buoyancy.
For example, by tilting your head back and lifting your chest, you can increase your buoyancy and make it easier to float.
2. Improve Your Breathing Technique
By taking slow, deep breaths, you can increase the air in your lungs, which can help improve your buoyancy.
Additionally, learning how to hold your breath and control your breathing while submerged can also help improve your ability to float.
3. Use Flotation Devices
Flotation devices such as life jackets, kickboards, or pool noodles can help offset the effects of negative buoyancy and make it easier to float.
These objects are specifically designed not to sink and can support human weight.
4. Practice Swimming Skills
By practicing swimming skills such as floating, kicking, and treading water, you can improve your overall ability to stay afloat and move through the water. If negative buoyancy is an issue for you, ask a swim coach to teach you different skills and techniques to help you overcome it.
5. Use Weights or a Buoyancy Compensator
Wearing weights or a buoyancy compensator for scuba diving or other water activities can help offset the negative buoyancy and improve your ability to control your position in the water.
Negative buoyancy doesn’t need to impact swimming for fun or sport. Understand what causes and how to overcome it, and you can enjoy swimming any time you like.