The easiest way to learn to swim is by playing in an environment where you feel safe. Thus, after class, there's Open Swim. At Open Swim, practice being present; resist practicing skills. The skills emerge when you just practice being present. Then you can practice being present and let a skill unfold. But remember: it's the presence you're after, not the skill. When you get the presence, you'll get the skill.

USMS dues for 2012 is $39. Renew your USMS membership here. At that page, go down to the middle of the screen and click on "Look up your current 2011 or 2012 registration number." From there, you can renew for 2012. If you're not a 2011 member, this 2012 registration will cover you through the rest of 2011 and all of 2012.