SIR, I see that the public pool in Monmouth has caused alarm as people argue the town is surrounded by rivers that are dangerous to those that can't swim. Monmouth is keen to keep tradition alive and in my younger days we had no public pool, the river was where I learned to swim. My opinion is that people should don their bathing suits and head to the river to learn. I would argue that we learned faster than most as we found ourselves in a sink or swim position. The Wye is deep enough with strong currents for advanced swimmers and the Monnow is perfect for the younger ones itching to learn. Jenna Taylor (Monmouth)