No doubt it is. It is both an important life skill and a great recreational activity. What is more, swimming is by far the most effective exercise which helps people keep fit and maintain a healthy weight. This activity has a low impact on joints, builds all groups of muscles simultaneously and improves endurance, so it is really great for people's health. In the most dangerous situations an ability to swim can help people save somebody's life. So, to my mind, it's vital for people to have this skill.