If you've tried to learn to swim at pools and been unsuccessful, try a lake. They won't take you far from shore or anything like that, and some people are just

If you've tried to learn to swim at pools and been unsuccessful, try a lake. They won't take you far from shore or anything like that, and some people are just more comfortable in lakes. Pools are harder in some ways: chlorine, walls both as crutches past where you need them and as a hazard, and a more artificial environment. They are also easier in some ways, and some people learn better in a pool, but it makes sense to try both if you've stuck with only one so far.