I don’t know how to swim. There I said it.
 

My biggest regret is that I don’t know how to swim. I grew up in the islands but never learned. Shameful. This summer, I vow to take lessons. Right now we’re vacationing in Maui and my son wants to go snorkeling. He is a great swimmer and diver in spite of having Down Syndrome. Do you know how embarrassing it is to be the one who needs a float belt? Next year, no more floatation devices. I’m going to learn to swim, dammit!

Never too late to learn.

Best of luck !

Right on.

You go this.

i need clarification.

you cant do formal swim strokes? or you get into deep water and your immediately a rescue recipient?

can you float?

(i grew up in the desert. i suck at swimming, but i survive)

Nothing to be ashamed of, we all came up different and were taught or learned different skills .
I think you will find it pretty easy and quite enjoyable once you do . Go knock down some new doors !

Never too late to learn to swim, good for you!

I prefer being under water than on dry land,

Feel more relaxed underwater looking up from 50ft down than on land looking down from 25ft up

I sink like a rock so I panic. I’m not confident treading water even.

My wife is a swim school manager and folks like yourself are coming in more often now.
The drowning death of anyone is totally preventable.
Learn to swim for you grandkids

I have a true phobia (shaking, hyperventilation, the works) of water so 5 years ago, I took lessons. I'm getting better with the fear and even went snorkeling in the Fl Keys last year. I say go for it! Take the class.

Easier in salt water. If that helps.

There was a post a while back about rescuing swimmers, how it can be dangerous for the rescuer..

My question is, can 'being rescued' be taught? I'm a crappy swimmer, too, this got me thinking it might be something to do to take a few lessons; which made me think maybe a 'get rescued if you are drowning and someone is trying to rescue you' lesson could be taught.
(ie learn to tread water and control the panic)

Just spitballing.

I've been swimming as long as I can remember. Swim Team, Lifeguard, the works. My Grandparents bought a house in Castro Valley with a pool and I swear we would spend all day in there swimming, only getting out to eat tuna sandwiches and Otter Pops. My Grandmother always said buying that house with the pool was the best decision as all of us Grandkids became strong swimmers.

My Wife is a strong swimmer also although she is claustrophobic. After going to Hawaii I found out the $$$$ I spent on a prescription dive mask was a bust. She just couldn't do it.

It was suggested to use a Full Face Snorkeling Mask and that saved the day. It really does make a difference if your swimming skills aren't as strong as you'd like or have claustrophobia issues...

https://www.amazon.com/Easybreath-Snorkeling-Anti-Fog-Microfiber-Turquoise/dp/B07RN1YYSM/?tag=full-face-snorkel-mask05-20

In the Red cross Water Safety course I took you are taught to approach the victim carefully. They will reach out in panic and drag you both under, the instructors really gave you a struggle.

You have to either grab their hair and sidekick/ drag them in or get them around the neck with the crook of your elbow and sidekick back to shore.

I have never been a great swimmer (I sink like a rock too) but I can swim, esp. with fins. I have snorkeled with and without a floatation belt. I vastly prefer wearing the belt even though I don't really need too. There are times when I will just rest stationary above a coral reef and watch the sea life move about. Having the belt removes one more thing I'd have to focus on.

No shame in wearing the belt to snorkel. Do what makes you comfortable and makes the experience enjoyable.

As far as lessons. Absolutely take them. But that is about life safety and a skill you would benefit from having. No one else really cares if you can swim or not.

What, you want some action winning trophies on the local college women's swim team or what? :D

Just learning to relax and tread water is the most important part. The different swim strokes are just 'icing on the cake'.

Once the fear of sinking is over...the rest is easy.

First of all, my hats off...I think it is great you are going to try this!

In person lessons are key. It is like learning how to fly...find an instructor you like and are comfortable with and you'll be fine. Spend the time.

Again, great stuff and best of luck.

Try to keep in mind that your lungs are a life vest, provide positive bouyancy when even partially full of air. Sombody in your area must teach a "drownproof" class. Sign up for one..

Although I'm a water boy, I'm not a very good swimmer. I tend to just sink unless I swimming flat out.

So I did swimming lessons at the town pool. They were really good. Tips like having a full lungful of air and keeping your body flat and correct kicking technique. Plus it was fun.

Have a good time in Maui.

My mother is also a non-swimmer. Just never learned. She is 81 now and I doubt will ever learn.

Didn't even get in water when she came to visit us when we lived on Oahu.

Best of luck. You got this.