swimming...is there hope?

[Serendipity]

I want to learn a proper stroke and i hope to learn quick and well enough to be able to get out there next summer (09)! Is this possible?? How and where do is start?? I was thinking of taking an adult swim lesson (bowing my head with an embaressed red face) ... how do i get over this???? sigh!

Nia, absolutely you can learn for next summer.
Like others, I would strongly recommend lessons - private ones if you can.
I learned to swim at age 40 - 10 years ago - and it took three sets of lessons before I was able to swim. Had to get over all kinds of fears of water, deep end, etc. etc. In fact, it took three different instructors before the coaching of one of them just connected.

Don't be embarrassed - in fact, you should be proud of what you want to, and can, accomplish!!