Floridians love manatees. The marine animals, lovingly known as "sea cows" or "gentle giants," spend the winters swimming in rivers, bays, canals, estuaries and coastal areas from Nov. 15 to March 31.

Learn about swimming with these gentle creatures. When I had my first opportunity to swim with manatees a handful of years ago, I must admit that I was hesitant—not because I was scared ...