With the crazy idea that I might try a tri next spring, I am going to start swimming in January (when I change gyms and have a swim membership). Glad to see that swimming lessons help. I am SLOW, can't do the front stroke at all, mostly do breast stroke. I haven't been able to find goggles that don't let water into my tiny face and get into my contacts.
So, it's encouraging to hear that you can actually be taught to swim. At this point, I'm an OK cyclist, a slowww runner, and can barely swim.