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It's hard to believe that Hawai'i — which is surrounded by water — has the second-highest resident drowning rate in the nation, a rate that's twice the average for the rest of the country.

But it's true.

Each year about 65 people in Hawai'i drown in the ocean, and nearly half of them are residents.

"It just baffles me that there are people who live here who can't swim," said Kevin Flanagan, head coach of the Kamehameha Swim Club and swim instructor at The Oahu Club in Hawai'i Kai. "There are people who freak out if they can't touch bottom. Of all the places to live. I am mesmerized."

There's no better time to learn to swim — or to hone the skills you already have — than now, with the warmer weather and a series of swimming events starting up soon.

There is a variety of adult classes around the state that cater to a range of swimmers, from those who are deathly afraid of the ocean to those trying to shave seconds off their 800-meter time.

The first step, Flanagan said, is to know what your goals are and find a program that will help you meet your needs.

Even at the beginner level, there are different reasons for people to start swimming. Some want to overcome their fear. Some finally have the time to learn. Others just want to add a new workout to their fitness regiment.

"It's one of the best workouts you can get because it's full-body," said Flanagan, who was an All-America swimmer at Florida State and competed in the 2000 Olympic Trials. "When you're running, you're predominantly working your legs and cardio. With swimming, you're working your arms, legs and lungs. I'd much rather be in the water where it's nice and comfortable (than running)."

For those who are terrified of the water, it's critical to find a program that addresses those specific needs, said Melon Dash, president of the Florida-based Transpersonal Swimming Institute and longtime swim instructor who specializes in teaching people scared to swim.

"There's a common perception that if you don't swim or (are) afraid to swim, you just gotta take swimming lessons and learn strokes," said Dash, who's been teaching in Hawai'i for 18 years. "That's what a lot of people — even swim instructors — believe, and that's not true."

Dash said beginners should first feel comfortable in the water. She recommends people go to a shallow pool or to a protected beach area — such as the lagoons at Ko Olina — to learn how to move and react in the water. People should pick beach spots with no wave action and preferably with lifeguards and stay in less than 2 feet of water. Pools are better options because they are controlled environments.

"They should just sit there and put their elbows back in the sands and lie there and feel the water holding them up," she said. "People don't believe the water will hold them up ... It's all about people feeling they're in control the whole time."

For those interested in improving their skills — either to hone their technique or compete in their first swimming event — Flanagan recommends finding a class in a pool setting, where instructors can focus on specific skills.

"It makes monitoring much easier," he said.

The bottom line in starting any program, Flanagan added, is finding one that works for your goals and skills.

"You want to have fun and enjoy the sport," he said