The Swimming Lesson — Jack E. Jon

NOTE TO PARENTS - It starts with a sassy kid who has little problem obeying his parents. It's no wonder, then, that he finds himself in a dozen different kinds of trouble. Geared for children ages 6 to 8, in these magical stories recount the misadventure of a smart, irrepressible and gusty boy who finds out exactly what can go wrong when he doesn't follow his parent rules or take their advice. Children need and parents welcome the effect of instructive stories in their lives.
All around him he saw a wild carnival of fishes, in all manner of reds, yellows, and blues. Sea anemones danced like huge feathery fans. A mermaid darted out from among them, waved at him, and then was gone. Children learn about the danger of swimming alone in The Swimming Lesson,