After traversing the big pond, my life would be further enriched by teaching myself how to swim. Unlike the boys in the picture, my first encounter with an instructor was far less idyllic.
A gruff portly man at the Latchmere Public Pool bellowed out commands that were designed to help us to get started. In my case, the effect was to drink large amounts of water, have experiences where I thought I was drowning, and to develop a strong, but unhealthy fear of drowning. This fear was not as debilitating as aquaphobia, but was unnecessary and restricting.