Do Humans Have an Innate Ability to Swim? Exploring the Instinct to Float

Question
Hi George,

I have always wondered whether humans have an inborn, natural knowledge of swimming. For example, if someone who has never been in the water before is thrown or falls into water, will he naturally sink, or swim? Does one have to be "taught" to swim, or is it innate?

Thanks,
Catherine

Answer
Catherine-
Humans are not born with an natural knowledge of swimming.  If someone is thrown or falls into a lake the odds are they will panic and sink.  Some people are calm enough in the water that they can float without training, but actually swimming is a skill that is learned.  Human adults tend to have a fear of being under water, but since fear is also a learned trait, you won't see a fear of water in newborns.
Hope this helps,
George