### *Tobias: Swimming Lessons*

The Evergrand Penitatas School swimming facility was an impressive sight, with its sparkling pool and wide, sunlit windows. The facility was state-of-the-art, designed not just for recreation but for teaching Penitatas students essential life skills like swimming, survival techniques, and water safety. Swimming was part of the core curriculum, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and focus.

Tobias stood at the edge of the pool, clutching his towel tightly. His tail flicked nervously behind him as he glanced at the water. Martha, Bruno, and Luna stood beside him, all dressed in their swimwear.

“Why do we have to do this?” Tobias muttered, his ears twitching.

“It’s required,” Martha said, adjusting her swim cap. “You know the rules—life skills, discipline, yada yada.”

“It’s not so bad,” Bruno said, grinning. “Swimming’s fun once you get the hang of it.”

Luna smirked. “Unless you’re afraid of water, Rowe.”

“I’m not afraid of water!” Tobias snapped, his ears flattening. “I just don’t like being forced into it.”

---

### *Meeting Coach Ripplewater*

Their instructor, Coach Ripplewater, was an adult otter with sleek brown fur, a firm voice, and a whistle hanging around her neck. Her no-nonsense demeanor was balanced by a natural enthusiasm that made her an effective teacher. She stood at the edge of the pool, her arms crossed, as the students gathered around her.

“Alright, everyone, listen up!” Coach Ripplewater’s voice boomed, cutting through the chatter. “Today’s lesson is all about basics. Some of you may already know how to swim, and that’s great. For those who don’t, don’t worry—we’ll get you there.”

Tobias glanced nervously at the pool. “What if I... I don’t know... sink?”

“You won’t sink,” Ripplewater said, her sharp gaze landing on him. “Unless you decide not to try. Now, everyone into the shallow end! We’re starting with floating.”

---

### *Learning to Float*

Martha was the first to jump into the water, her floppy ears bobbing as she floated easily on her back. Bruno followed, splashing before finding his balance. Luna slid in gracefully, while Tobias hesitated at the edge.

“Rowe!” Ripplewater barked. “The water won’t bite. Get in!”

Tobias groaned but stepped into the shallow end. The cool water sent a shiver through his fur. “It’s colder than I thought.”

“It’ll warm up as you move,” Ripplewater said. “Now, lean back and relax. Trust the water.”

Tobias tried to float, but his tail sank almost immediately, followed by the rest of him. He resurfaced, sputtering and flailing.

“You’re too tense,” Ripplewater said, swimming over. “Relax your body. Let the water do the work.”

Tobias grumbled but tried again, this time managing to stay afloat for a few seconds before tipping sideways. He groaned, earning an encouraging laugh from Martha.

“You’re getting there!” she called. “Keep at it.”

---

### *Treading Water*

Once the students were comfortable floating, Coach Ripplewater moved them to treading water. “This is about staying calm and using your energy wisely,” she explained. “You don’t have to kick wildly—just enough to keep yourself above water.”

Bruno quickly got the hang of it, his strong kicks keeping him steady. Martha followed suit, her arms moving in smooth circles. Tobias flailed awkwardly, his movements erratic.

“You’re wasting energy, Rowe,” Ripplewater said, swimming over. “Slow down. Small movements. Like this.” She demonstrated a calm, efficient motion.

Tobias tried to mimic her, but his paws and tail weren’t cooperating. “This is impossible!” he muttered.

“It’s not impossible—it’s new,” Ripplewater corrected. “Keep practicing.”

---

### *The Deep End Challenge*

After a while, Coach Ripplewater blew her whistle. “Alright, everyone, gather at the deep end. It’s time to test what you’ve learned. You’ll swim across the pool one at a time. Show me what you’ve got.”

Martha and Bruno exchanged excited grins, while Tobias’s ears flattened. “We’re going into the deep end?”

“You’ll be fine,” Ripplewater said, rolling her eyes. “One at a time. Bruno, you’re up.”

Bruno dove into the water, his strong strokes propelling him effortlessly across the pool. Martha followed, her movements graceful and confident. Even Luna swam smoothly, her calm expression unchanged.

When it was Tobias’s turn, he hesitated at the edge, staring down at the deep water.

“Anytime now, Rowe,” Ripplewater said, her tone firm but encouraging.

Taking a deep breath, Tobias pushed off the wall and began swimming. His strokes were clumsy, and he splashed more than necessary, but he kept moving. Halfway across, his arms grew tired, and panic set in.

“You’re doing fine!” Martha called from the other side. “Keep going!”

Gritting his teeth, Tobias kicked harder and managed to reach the far wall. He clung to the edge, panting heavily. “I... I made it,” he gasped.

Ripplewater swam over, a small smile on her face. “Not bad for your first try, Rowe. We’ll work on smoothing out those strokes, but you’ve got potential.”

---

### *After the Lesson*

After everyone had completed their swim, Ripplewater gathered the group at the edge of the pool. “Good work today, everyone. Swimming is a skill that takes time and effort, but you’ve all made progress. Keep practicing, and you’ll get there.”

As they dried off in the locker room, Tobias couldn’t help but feel a mix of pride and exhaustion.

“You did great,” Bruno said, clapping him on the shoulder. “Told you it wasn’t so bad.”

Tobias winced as he rubbed his sore arms. “Easy for you to say. I’m going to feel this tomorrow.”

Martha grinned. “You’ll get the hang of it, Rowe. Just takes practice.”

As they left the pool facility, Tobias felt a spark of determination. Swimming might not be his favorite activity, but he wasn’t about to give up. With time—and maybe a little help from his friends—he knew he’d get better.