From children to adults, it is very common for people to need to overcome their fear of water. Past traumas or lack of familiarity can be key factors behind this apprehension.
When fear becomes too intense, it turns into a phobia, affecting a significant number of people. There are different levels, ranging from a fear of swimming to anxiety even about tap water.
Even though overcoming the fear of water may seem daunting, with self-awareness, patience, and the right strategies, it is entirely possible.
Regardless of how the phobia developed, by following a few steps and being patient, you can become familiar with water and even reach the point where swimming becomes your favourite physical activity.
In this guide, we will explore effective approaches to overcoming the fear of water, helping you enjoy aquatic moments with confidence and peace of mind.
Understanding the Fear of Water
The first step in addressing a fear of water is identifying whether it stems from a fear of drowning or if it is a more severe case of phobia.
Fear is a natural response from the brain when facing a situation perceived as risky or dangerous. This instinctive reaction is an effective way to keep us safe.
However, when fear is excessive, it can become a phobia. In this case, it may lead to extreme reactions, such as panic attacks, anxiety, hyperventilation, trembling, excessive crying, or even fainting.
Hydrophobia is a rarer condition that involves an extreme fear of any type of liquid, while aquaphobia is more common and affects people who fear swimming or running water.
The good news is that, with the right methods, it is entirely possible to overcome this fear or phobia, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of being in the water.
It is also important to acknowledge that the fear of water can be rooted in the subconscious. Therefore, seeking specialised therapy may be beneficial.
Step-by-Step guide to overcome the fear of water
The first step in overcoming your fear of water is recognising its existence. Where does this fear come from? Have you experienced a distressing incident, or were you raised with warnings about the dangers of water?
Self-awareness is essential for overcoming fear. If you experience any level of anxiety or phobia related to water, follow these steps to help you move past it:
Getting used to and feeling comfortable in water
Water introduces a variety of new sensations to the body. Adapting to them takes time, especially for those who feel anxious about it.
Start gradually. Sit on the edge of the pool and place only your feet in the water. This will allow you to experience the sensation of buoyancy.
Gradual immersion is a key step in familiarisation, helping you recognise the positive effects of water.
Once you feel more confident, step into the pool with the water at knee height. Then, slowly move further in until the water reaches your thighs or waist.
At this stage, it is crucial to stay in a shallow area where you can comfortably stand. When ready, try walking through the water with your eyes closed. This exercise helps you focus on the sensation of water resistance.
As a final step, and only when you feel completely at ease, allow the water to reach your neck. Keep your feet on the ground to maintain balance until you are fully comfortable.
Learning to submerge
To continue overcoming your fear of water, you need to learn how to control your breathing. Before venturing into deeper areas, start in a shallow pool with a stable edge to hold onto.
Take a deep breath, pinch your nose, close your eyes, and submerge your head for a few seconds. The next time you do this, try exhaling multiple times while underwater. Use both your mouth and nose to prevent water from entering your airways.
The final step is to open your eyes and mouth underwater and realise that water will not enter them. This will give you the confidence to submerge your entire head.
Floating with your head underwater
Once you have gained more confidence, it is time to extend your body and float while keeping your face underwater. To do this, you can use pool noodles or side rails for support.
Find a shallow area where you can stand comfortably. Hold onto a rail with both hands and stretch your arms outward. Inhale deeply, hold your breath, and lower your face into the water. Then, push yourself off the ground and extend your legs, assuming a face-down floating position.
Practise this exercise until you can do it without support. It is important to stay relaxed and allow the water to support you. This technique lays the foundation for incorporating swimming movements later on.
Enjoy the water!
As we have mentioned, this type of phobia is more common than many people think. Overcoming it requires professional guidance to support you throughout the process.
At Easy2Swim, we offer tailored lessons designed to meet your specific needs.
Rely on us not only to help you overcome your fear but also to enjoy all the incredible benefits that water has to offer.
