How many people do not know how to swim?

[Geor!]

I can swim, but I'm not a strong swimmer. Deep water terrifies me. If it's deeper than a standard pool, I don't want to be in it.

[Sean88gt]

They are a freak of our own creation, they also can't reproduce without human assistance.

I've noticed the same thing with people that resemble bulldogs.

[Broncojohnny]

It is amazing. There was a story from Georgia last year where someone was drowning and their friends, one after another, jumped in to try and save them. Something like 3 or 4 people died in that circle jerk because none of them could swim.

My little brother almost sank me one time at Wet n Wild when we were kids. Nothing like some dumbass freaking out in the water and just latching on to you for dear life. Fucking idiots.

My son has been in swim class since he was 6 months old just for this reason. He'll be four in October and he is to the point where he can swim, a little longer and he will be able to go on his own if he wants.

[Strychnine]

My little brother almost sank me one time at Wet n Wild when we were kids. Nothing like some dumbass freaking out in the water and just latching on to you for dear life. Fucking idiots.

Go under.

The last thing a panicked asshole who cant swim wants to do is be underwater. Your best bet to not become victim two is to swim down then away.
FWIW, if possible always approach said drowning asshole from the rear.

[Broncojohnny]

Go under.

The last thing a panicked asshole who cant swim wants to do is be underwater. Your best bet to not become victim two is to swim down then away.
FWIW, if possible always approach said drowning asshole from the rear.

Oh yea, without a doubt. It is just ridiculous that people have that much fear of something.

[talisman]

My parents dropped me off at the YMCA for swim classes when I was a kid. Not sure why, I'd always been able to swim without any problems. Deep water doesn't bother me at all. I don't really "swim" much, I usually just wade around neck high, but to me swimming is an inherent natural thing, and I don't really understand how someone wouldn't be able to do it. Not knocking those people, just don't get it. [shrug]

[CWO]

"I can't swim, so I keep my white ass out da pool!"

[Cobraman]

As Forbes said: It's a mental thing mostly. Most drownings occur from the shock of the realization of drowning. A person that doesn't know how to swim will fall in the water, realize they are in trouble, and start to freak out thus tiring themselves out physically. The mind of someone in trouble in the water cannot think straight; the only thing they can think about is that they are about to drown. 3 out of 4 drowning victims won't even call out for help. At the pool I work at, we practice UEM's or underwater evasive manuevers, because most of the time a drowning vicitm will use the lifeguard to stay afloat instead of realizing I am there to help. It's impossible to stay calm if you are drowning.

[unkoricky]

I cant swim, i'm 25.

I do remember my cousin throwing me in when i was about 10 so i can learn.. He sat there and noticed i couldnt do it and i almost drowned..

Thats all i have to say about that

[MutherjuggZ]

As Forbes said: It's a mental thing mostly. Most drownings occur from the shock of the realization of drowning. A person that doesn't know how to swim will fall in the water, realize they are in trouble, and start to freak out thus tiring themselves out physically. The mind of someone in trouble in the water cannot think straight; the only thing they can think about is that they are about to drown. 3 out of 4 drowning victims won't even call out for help. At the pool I work at, we practice UEM's or underwater evasive manuevers, because most of the time a drowning vicitm will use the lifeguard to stay afloat instead of realizing I am there to help. It's impossible to stay calm if you are drowning.

It's called the "Instinctive Drowning Response" - Meaning...it has nothing to do with experience or lack thereof

The instinctive drowning response is a set of behaviors automatically undertaken by a person who either is, or is very close to, drowning.

These are autonomic responses of the body, undertaken without deliberate control, and "represent a person's final attempts to avoid actual or perceived suffocation in water" before sinking.

To an untrained observer, it may not be obvious the drowning person is in distress. In fact the lack of visible panic in their movements is because at this point they are incapable of making other gestures or calling for help.

Lifeguards and other persons trained in rescue learn to recognize drowning people by watching for these instinctive actions, since the popular belief about drowning being a violent activity with much movement is misleading. A person may appear to be swimming safely when they are within 20–60 seconds of sinking under the surface

[KungFuHamster]

my moms from south Texas. i think yall call it "el valyay" or something. anyways, shes from Harlingen. never been able to swim and still cant.

always thought that was odd growing up as a little kid watching mom wading around the shallow end of the pool as i jump off the diving board.