To The Swimming-challenged: Inability Or Fear?

We've all met people through the years who have insisted, "I can't swim." Or, "I never learned how to swim." These people are steadfast in their claim, and they stand by it firmly. "Nope, can't swim." That's just IT.

To most of us, this is perplexing because 1) we either were "taught" how to swim at an early age by being thrown into the water by caring but "learn-by-doing" parents, 2) we took swimming classes at some point, usually also in our youth; or, 3) we didn't think anything of just "throwing ourselves in" at the nearest swimming hole, lake or river.

So the question is, are there some people, who enjoy otherwise excellent health, who just cannot swim? Are there those who lack the basic ability? What do we say to these "I can't swim" types? How can we begin to learn to respond with an intellectual, researched, well-informed answer?

It's simple. Though you don't have to start an argument, the truth, scientists have determined, is that all human beings, excepting those with obvious physical challenges, absolutely CAN swim.

But how do they know?

Again, it's back to brass tacks. Think about this particular scenario: Suddenly, you find yourself on an airplane, securely fitted with a parachute. Someone quickly tells you where to pull the plug to activate the parachute, and then just pushes you out of that plane. Of course, you're terrified, flying in the open air -- just absolutely shocked.

Guess what happens next? You're going to get over it, and you're going to pull that plug. And the parachute will open, and you will float to land, and there will be people there to assist you upon landing.

Didn't think you could do it? It's all about the basic human instinct of self-protection and preservation. We do NOT want to get hurt or, worse, die. We will do almost anything, and our brains will excrete those infamous "adrenaline-pumping" cells through our veins, to help us do whatever we possibly can to survive.

The same goes for the luxury and utter simplicity of swimming, floating, treading water, diving, competitive swimming, deep-sea diving, exploring under the sea, swimming with dolphins, and literally hundreds of other ways to relax, get exercise, and have abundant joy in the water.

So, have no fear! Come on, it's as natural as breathing. If you can't swim, you just haven't challenged yourself enough; try it, and you'll be surprised: You CAN swim!