Why Your Body Floats: Buoyancy and Archimedes' Principle

Your body floats because water exerts an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the water you displace (Archimedes' principle). If your average body density is less than water's density, buoyancy exceeds your weight, and you float.

Factors Affecting Floatation

• Body composition: Higher fat % lowers density, improving floatation.
• Water density: Seawater (denser) provides more buoyancy than freshwater.
• Surface area & technique: Spreading out increases displacement; breathing control helps.
• Added weight/clothing: Reduces buoyancy.

Floating is a balance between buoyant force and gravity.