Swimming

[Cloverjo]

When did you learn to swim, if ever? Were you taught at school, by parents or did it come naturally?

I only learnt at the age of 26 when a neighbour taught my son in her pool.
During school swimming lessons I was left to flounder in the shallow end. I'm still very uneasy in swimming pools and the sea.

I'm asking because I've just read a newspaper article by a Times journalist who had been 'fake-swimming' for his whole life. I used to feel ashamed of not being able to swim, but perhaps it is quite common.

[tamborine]

Singapore army pool & sea by our lovely amah

[Cloverjo]

Interesting answers. Thank you, all.
I still envy people who can swim effortlessly. I took my son to swim at about 3 months old. He enjoyed it then, but we had a break through moving house and towns. The next time I took him to a pool at about 3 years old he was terrified and climbed up my shoulders and just about sat on my head to avoid the water.
He's a fairly decent swimmer now, though. Well, better than me, which isn't saying much.

[Milo2]

I had a frightening experience when I was about 8 years old and it meant that I lost all confidence in water. I took lessons as an adult but still couldn’t overcome my fear of being in water. I would still love to be able to swim.

[ethandron]

Much the same as you Clover. I felt I missed out so much as a teenager when everyone else went to the swimming baths that I was determined my children would learn as soon as they could. And they did.
I can swim a bit, and just about float on my back but it has to be baking hot before you’ll get me anywhere near the sea. And I’d never dream of going to the local swimming pool, only go in a pool on holiday.

[ummmm]

Milo...my OH had a terrifying experience and it's left him with a fear of water. He can swim but he has no confidence.

Luckily I don't remember my bad experience and I love water thanks to my parents.