Wetsuit\Swimming Questions From an Accenture Finisher

Hi Everyone,

A little background information; I did my first tri back in 2006 (Steelhead 1/2) and finished with a repectable 6:40 despite the fact I really can't swim.....you read correctly. I do all my training with a pull bouy and rely on my wetsuit in the OWS. When I try to swim like a normal human, I sink. 2007 was a wash as I had back surgery in August. Targeted Accenture Olympic as my only race of 2008 and was excited as my training had been going pretty well......However, I didn't get a chance to do any open-water swims.....not too bright

So, my heat goes off at 8:21 yesterday morning, I jump in the water...and proceed to sink like a stone.......WTF???? I felt like my wetsuit was taking on water and I could not freestyle to save my live.......it was like wearing a big sponge....so I end up breastroking the whole way and by the time the volunteers pull me out of the water, I'm exhausted......including my walk/stagger to T1, my time was 48 mintes.....so my questions are these:

1) Can a Wetsuit malfunction enough to cause what happened?? I looked it over pretty good before and after the race and couldn't find any tears or anything like that...

2) Clearly it's time for me to learn to swim......but would you recommend taking lessons from a Tri Coach or a regular Swimming Coach?? At this point money is no option ( well it kind of is) because I have no intention of repeating the nightmare that was yesterday.....

And I'm in the West Suburbs of Chicago so if any locals have any recommendations for a swim coach, I'm all ears....

Thanks!

Jim