Personal Safety
An obvious reason for learning how to swim is to acquire the ability to survive in water. At one time or another, you are bound to find yourself in or near water, whether you're on a cruise, boating trip, fishing or lounging by a pool with friends. If the water is deeper than your height, and you find yourself in it, knowing how to swim could save your life.
Rescuing Others
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 3,400 people drown in the United States every year. If you know how to swim, you might have a chance of saving someone close to you. Having the ability to swim is especially important if you are a parent or someone who works around children, as drowning is the second-leading cause of injury-related death for children less than 14 years old.
Health
Most doctors agree that swimming is a healthy form of exercise. It requires you to use many of the muscles in your body, is for building strength and endurance and is beneficial for your metabolism and cardiovascular system. The water provides a natural resistance when you are swimming, while also making the activity less strenuous on your body. Water, in most cases, also provides a natural cooling element for the body.
- Pleasure
The pleasure of being able to spend time in the water is very important. A swim in the pool or in the ocean on a hot summer day can help you feel relaxed and physically fit. The water is a suitable way to be social with friends through activities such as surfing, water skiing or jet skiing. These exciting activities are difficult to enjoy without the knowledge of swimming.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/457393-why-is-it-important-to-know-how-to-swim/