Buzz
Fear of water when swimming, known as Aquaphobia, is quite common. In reality, swimming is not as scary as you think; it is a perfect and beneficial sport.
How to overcome the fear of water when swimming?
Causes
Many people fear water; however, Aquaphobia is an 'abnormal and persistent fear of water.' They often avoid activities such as boating and swimming. They may fear water in the shower or bathtub and may even avoid bathing.
Fear of water can have various causes:
Solutions
Overcoming the fear of swimming can be challenging. It may hinder many people from learning to swim, but there are also exceptional cases.
The gold medalist of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games – Adam Peaty, as a child, suffered from acute aquaphobia and disliked being put in a bathtub after his siblings claimed that sharks could come through the pipes. However, he overcame the fear of swimming and became a champion.
You don't need to worry too much about going to the swimming pool, you are not alone, and you will always be helped. Most swimming pools offer classes for beginners. Here, you will receive support and meet many others who also want to overcome their fear of water, fear of swimming like you.
Listen to your body, identify why you fear water
Before you attempt to confront the fear of swimming, reflect on the first time you realized you were afraid of it. Was there a specific incident or someone who influenced you? If you can recognize the source of your fear, you will understand it and overcome it.
Accept the fear of swimming
Many people with this phobia are further damaged because they feel ashamed. They will do their best to avoid facing their fear of water. However, accepting your phobia is the first step to addressing it.
Remember: you are not alone! Two-thirds of Americans fear deep, wide water, and 46% fear the bottom of deep lakes. 37% of Americans cannot swim, and nearly 4000 people die from drowning in the United States every year.
The fear of water when swimming – aquaphobia – is nothing special as this person fears water, another fears spiders, darkness, the number 13, round holes... Who doesn't have their Achilles' heel? Once you admit and accept that your fear is entirely normal, you can begin to overcome it.
Change your perspective
Having a fear of water, fear of swimming means you also have a negative perspective on swimming. To overcome this fear, you must change your thoughts.
Conquer the fear of water by getting comfortable with it
Practice with a skilled individual
Whether you're attending a swimming class or self-learning. Learn to swim with a skilled, reliable individual can reduce your stress. It helps you feel more comfortable. Your friend can guide you right beside you as you practice breathing. Hold your hand as you learn to float.
Get acquainted with water
Remember, you are in control of this process yourself. Don't be afraid.
If possible, focus on the comfortable sensation when your body touches the water. This can help distract you from the feeling of fear.
Find a swimming class
Once you feel more comfortable and confident in the water, you can start learning to swim. A swimming instructor is an excellent choice for those who fear water when swimming. This symptom is quite common, so swimming classes for beginners are widely available.
Advice for overcoming the fear of water
Things to avoid
Things you need
Posted by: Quyen Ly
Keywords: Overcoming the fear of water when swimming – Nothing is impossible
