First timer in Atlanta

Hello All,

I am training to compete in my first tri on June 5th at Tybee Island, GA. I'm 33 and was in good shape prior to starting seriously training. I have been logging significant time each week training and I feel my fitness level is where it needs to be to complete the race with a solid time. However my swimming is inconsistent and sometimes borderline terrible. Some days I feel like I'm starting to get it, other days I'm barely able to complete 1 lap without resting or swallowing water. I can't seem to get in a rhythm with my strokes or breath. My tri swim is an open water ocean swim so I'm beginning to get nervous at my lack of progress. Any advice on training strategies or drills for improvement would be greatly appreciated. Also I would love to get together with other tri athletes in the area to train if anybody's interested.