Learn to Swim: Do You Need to Float First?

Question
I am currently learning how to swim.  I have a hard time floating.  Some of my friends and family say you must know how to float before you can swim and my boyfriend says you don't need to float to swim.  When you swim you will learn to float.  Who do i believe?

Answer
Linda--
You can believe your boyfriend on this one.  You don't need to know how to float to learn to swim.  It does make it easier, but some people can't float(I'm a good example) anyway.
Most swim schools teach their students to float when they start also.
Hope this answered your question.
George