Can you swim? (And what country are you from?)

[Ack]

American, learned in preschool around age 3-4. I have not swam much since I had surgery about five years ago though...I had concern over getting fluid into the wound, and despite its eventual healing, I've generally avoided opportunities to swim since then. That's not to say that I don't remember how, as I have had to use it a few times since then. But in general I just avoid it now.

[ZeroAX]

I had concern over getting fluid into the wound

So you also never showered?

Sorry for teasing you, I'm just curious what kind of wound might have kept you out of the water for so long. Cause this is the first time I've heard about something like that. My relatives had surgery too and they went back into the sea first chance they got.

[Ack]

Actually I had to shower very carefully and pay considerable attention to washing my hair, as soap runoff could easily have gotten into it. I had a cyst removed, and this particular kind does not always heal correctly. In some cases (such as mine), the wound may not heal properly, effectively remaining open for some time. I now have a nasty scar in that area.

[ZeroAX]

Actually I had to shower very carefully and pay considerable attention to washing my hair, as soap runoff could easily have gotten into it. I had a cyst removed, and this particular kind does not always heal correctly. In some cases (such as mine), the wound may not heal properly, effectively remaining open for some time. I now have a nasty scar in that area.

ouch. Sorry to hear that dude. I hope everything is alright now

[Ack]

Yeah, I am much better now. This occurred before I had joined the Racketboy community, and while it troubled me a few times over the years, it has not bothered me since 2009, so I am ok these days.

[BananaXX]

And to answer the original question, I am American and first learned how to swim at age 5.

This is how it was for me. I can remember taking swimming lessons at the YMCA when I was in kindergarten or so. It's actually a really strange idea to me that there are older people who can't swim (not that it is indeed strange, it's just something I've never really thought about).

I too learned to swim at a young age (<5) at the YMCA but soon forgot how, if you were to throw me in water over my head I'd probably drown now... Various friends have tried to teach me to swim again but to no success, I have a hard time even floating.

[Dave Auto]

I grew up near one of the Great Lakes in the northeastern U.S. and learned to swim at a very early age. I took lessons at a neighbor's pool, though. My wife grew up in a harbor town right on the lake where all the kids actually took boating lessons as well!

This is an interesting topic; I've never thought of swimming as something uniquely American. I guess I'd compare it to learning to ride a bicycle

[vlame]

no, USA.

[Forlorn Drifter]

USA. I can swim, though not nearly as good as many of my friends. I can, just not fast. I learned in like 3rd or 4th grade, I believe. I did it so I could hang out with my friends when swimming, and so I wouldn't drwon. Truthfully, I know a lot of people that can't swim. Its a pretty big thing to go swimming in Texas, but the people out in west Texas just don't swim that often, same with those up in the panhandle. I dunno, I never really understood why it was such a big deal.

[brunoafh]

I can swim quite well, USA. Funny thing is I don't even remember being taught, I've been able to swim for as long as I can remember. Just seems like a natural ability. Also, I absolutely hate swimming and being wet in general.