[RWebb]

dogs and daughter can swim together in a nice lake!

I will just advise people to be very careful when swimming in a river - we've had several deaths this year. People can easily get trapped in rapids or strainers (that are invisible) and held under water.

Everybody needs to learn drown-proofing! I'll add that is a very low energy way to survive in water; can be used in chop too if you time it right.

John - some add'l lessons will be invaluable - an instructor can see what you are doing (wrong) and correct that; it could be as simple as rhythm or harmonizing arm and leg movements, or not getting the body horizontal (lined out) in the water...

Different body configurations can call for different strokes. I was never fast due to small hands & feet, but always felt "at home" in the water & had a mean scissors kick (long legs).