I swim, and like you Karen, it surprises me how many people can't.

Growing up along the shore - it was just something we all did naturally. I was quite young, and learned to swim in Narragansett Bay, since we were always out on Dad's boat. I also did a lot with friends in the summer, since we lived right by a pond.

When my kids were growing up, we had a big above ground pool, and they were taught to swim there. I believe everyone should learn to swim - even if it's only enough to just get by. You never know when it might save your life in an unexpected emergency. Even folks that don't live near water, can still take swimming lessons at the Y.