Can you forget how to swim?

[Laura-sakura]

I'm 22 and I last swam when I was about 12. Since I haven't stepped into any water deeper than a bath in 10 years understandably i'm a little worried about doing it now. I was always a strong swimmer but is it possible that you can forget how to do it?

[natalie_1982]

I don't think you forget, I certainly didn't. Last time I swam I would have been about 12 as well but started going again last year and hadnt forgotten. I'm not a strong a swimmer as I used to be but I didn' have to think about how to swim it just came naturally. I guess it's like riding a bike!

[crazy chick]

OO that actually happened to me! I hadn't been swimming for a while and then when I went one day last summer I got into the water and found it quite awkward to swim, I didn't sink, but i didn't have the same ability as before. After about ten minutes or so I was able to swim normally again, so I don't think you can ' forget ' how to swim as such but you definately need to spend some time getting used to starting it again! Hope this helps! xxx

[georgit79]

You don't forget. The truth is, any able-bodied person could swim without ever having done so before.