You know, it might be easier for you because you are just starting. You haven't learned bad habits

I learned how to swim when I was young but never refined or perfected it. I'm trying to go back to undo/redo it all before the tri season next year. I did do a 1/2 mile OW swim this past year but trust me, it wasn't pretty!

Do you not feel comfortable in the water in general? Or do you get fatigued? Or do you just find it all unnerving? I love the water so that fear isn't there but I am darned clumsy, especially for distance. Just start slowly and work your way up. It'll happen.

If you do a womens tri (Danskin is one) they have people called "Swim Angels". They will, on request, swim beside you to keep your spirits up.