Safety first Katie. You should go over some of the safety procedures with him, and ask him what the plan will be if you overturn. If he is a strong swimmer, I would suggest going to a shallow area at first, and maybe a lesson or 2 on the warm flat areas. If you are comfortable with his abilities and he is level-headed, go and have a good time. It sounds like you have some fear of the water. Getting over that fear would be a good short-term goal. Good luck.