90% of the time yes, unless the water is freezing cold and if after being in the water for some time, I still feel cold, then I head out and just tan on the beach.
I go to the beach all the time but I'm in San Francisco so the answer would be no. I would if we had gorgeous Hawaii weather though. The only time I was able to go into the water at a beach was on my trip to Hawaii.
I answered yes, but I don't go in the water much. I have a friend who actually gets in it and swims away from shore and I just get in enough to get wet and get back out again.
I love looking at the ocean but I'm not really a beach person!!! I went into the ocean in Maui near our hotel and freaked out when I realized that small fish were all around me!!! I do not like snorkeling even though I'm sure it would be amazing to see all of the underwater life! Oh well!!