I am just beginning to learn how to swim (properly, that is-I can not drown pretty well.

) I have a friend who is helping me a bit, although I think I will be mostly on my own for now. Swimming will likely be my main form of cardio henceforth due to some significant knee issues. Until now, I've mostly been doing HIIT 2-3X week with maybe a steady state thrown in too. I'm not really good enough yet to go fast for intervals. Any advice?
Thanks!!!