Swimming help-training help needed

If you can swim 50 yds then you can do a 800 yd workout. Don't get overwhelmed by the thought of 800 yds. Try this for a workout.

Warm-up - 
12 x 25 @ :30 rest (30 sec rest after each 25)
Do the warm-up using any stroke including dog paddle if you want but make each 25 easy.

Kick set -
4 x 25 @ :30 rest (Preferably flutter kick but any kick will do)

Main set -
2 x 25 @ :30 rest freestyle (Count how many strokes it takes you for each 25)
2 x 50 @ 1:00 rest (Try to keep your stroke long)
2 x 25 @ :30 rest
2 x 50 @ 1:00 rest

Cool down -
4 x 25 Easy or 1 x 100 Easy

Give that a try and see if you surprise yourself.

Yes, you are new to swimming and will want/need the rest after each 25.  Eventually you will get to doig them without wanting or needing so much rest. 

 I learned enough to keep from drowning as a kid and have worked the past few years with a coach at my gym.  He took my stroke from a step above dog paddle to a nice stoke ( though you wouldn't know it from this years races   )  Good luck and have fun!

I literally had to re-learn to swim when I got into this sport in Feb. Not having access to an affordable coach or swimming program I picked up a copy of Total Immersion which I think was a huge help.  The book/videos are all about swimming more efficiently as opposed to swimming harder and for me, the drills made a huge different.  I would recommend that book.  There are also tons of videos on the net that show good form and demostrate drills that can help you hone your form.

I definately agree with everyone else on here, do not swim for distance if you are still learning/fixing your form.  If you start swimming longer distances with a bad form you'll have a tough time fixing it later.  Start slow, resting when you feel you need to.  Focus on your form and try to notice what feels smoother as you perfect your stroke.  I found a mix of drills and swimming laps helped a lot.

Just my 2 cents, stick with it and I'm sure you'll improve in no time.