<p>Swimming is like everything else – you need to know your limitations. It seems that more people drown every summer who actually can swim (at least a little). They then do something well beyond their capabilities. Those that can’t swim at all usually don’t get into those situations. I am a reasonably good swimmer (1 mile+ in calm water w/o much effort). However, I am careful in a river with a strong current or the ocean on a rough day. </p>
<p>The other tragedy to avoid is going into a dangerous situation to rescue a swimmer in trouble. Most of the time both end up in serious trouble. A tough decision for anyone when you have to make up your mind in a few seconds. Very few of us are like Kevin Costner in The Guardian.</p>