Underwater swimming.

One day I went to my friend's pool. She taught me how to swim underwater. I did it. But the next time she invited me over, I couldn't do it. Can you help me?

Kellie C., Maryland

It sounds as if you were a bit unsure about doing it the second time rather than being unable to. That's understandable. The first time you tried, you'd never been underwater before, so you didn't know what it would be like. Perhaps it was a little scary when you actually did it.

It is perfectly all right not to do something that makes you feel uneasy. However, it sounds as if you would like to do it again.

Perhaps you could start by putting just your face in the water. That would give you a chance to see what it's like and to practice holding your breath for a moment. If this seems comfortable, then you could try submerging your entire body for several seconds, without trying to swim. Little by little, you'll probably become comfortable enough to swim underwater again.

Make sure an adult is present whenever you are swimming.