John Legend Explains Why His Swim Lessons Are So Important: ‘I’m Able to Live with Less Fear’

John Legend is almost ready for the deep end!

The singer, 40, is taking swim lessons for the first time since he was 5 years old.

“I’m definitely not where I need to be, but I’m much better than where I was, and it’s only been a couple months now,” he tells PEOPLE. “I’m excited. It’s so much fun to learn and to feel much more confident in the pool.”

Legend says that he didn’t want to feel restricted due to not knowing how to swim.

“I was never afraid to go in the pool, but I was afraid to go in the deep end,” he explains. “I’m happy that I’m able to live with less fear and be able to swim with my kids. It just opens up a lot more opportunities. I just want to be comfortable in any water settings. So if we’re out on a boat on the ocean, if we’re in a pool, no matter where we are.”

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