Yes my parents made me take lessons as well. This is how it went..... we went to an outdoor pool, which was freezing, even though it was in the summer. The instructors lined us up, asked if anyone could swim, some said yes, they got in the water to show what they could do. The rest of us ?? OMG, the one instructor (a guy) picked me up and threw me in the deep end. I guess it was the "sink or swim" method !! :mad I swam...... to the edge, climbed out and kicked the guy in the shin !! Man, I was mad !! I have made my children take lessons as well. Although not the same method was applied. LMAO.......