What will you be doing over the Easter break? >>

Water phobia

I don't usually talk about this but i really need some help. I have this intense fear of water ever since i was quite young. I have always avoided going swimming, and when i do, i usually just stand there, petrified. It has gotten better during the last few years for some reason, now i can say it's not a phobia any more, but i'm still a little insecure. I now wants to know how to swim, which i never dreamt of doing, and i feel in a way, it might help to get rid of the fear completely.
I've got a friend who can teach me but i'm really self- concious about learning at this late age, and felt that it might look very bizzare, as people don't know about the phobia. i also don't like the way the lifeguards are always staring at you.
Any suggestions on what i should do?

Reply 1

unfinished sympathy

there is loads of people who can't swim, you've gotta learn, cos whilst you can't swim you're in more danger! learn and then you'll never feel insecure :smile:

good luck !!

Reply 2

xXMessedUpXx

firstly well done for decdiing you want toface your fear, that tkaes a lot of guts and i respect you for that.
Secondly is there anyone at the local swimming pool you could talk to, maybe just to make them aware of it, i'm sure they'd try to make you more comfortable if you were to have some tuition?? Definetly take a friend for support. Maybe just go and take it slowly and sit on the side for a while, or the shallow part if you can bear it. If you feel ok then take it to the next laeve but don't rush things and remeber you can step back out of it whenever you want to. good luck hun :smile:

Reply 3

unfinished sympathy

sorry grave dreams, well done x

Reply 4

Student_Bum

go for it. Its the best skill you will ever learn.

Reply 5

Juno

See if there are quiet times at the pool. My local one has something called "timid time" where you do widths instead of lengths and all the beginners go. Or you could try adult lessons as then you'll be with other beginners.

Reply 6

saz_1989

Lifeguards stare at you because they are there to stop people drowning. They wouldn't be much use reading a book or watching tv. You can get swimming lessons at your local gym probably.

Reply 7

fonzievision

Learn! It's great... try learning at a pool though, I think it'll be easier for you. More controlled. You'll see it's very easy and quite a nice day out with friends :smile:

Reply 8

How do you practice body hygiene?

Reply 9

dave

Lauren

Lifeguards stare at you because they are there to stop people drowning. They wouldn't be much use reading a book or watching tv. You can get swimming lessons at your local gym probably.

Lifeguards also stare at girls (mainly) because they imagine themselves to be members of the baywatch team. Go for your lessons - to hell with what anyone else thinks - you're doing it for YOU - not for them. And congratulations on making the decision anyway - good luck to you. :smile:

Reply 10

NDGAARONDI

Mad Caddie

How do you practice body hygiene?

Hydrophobes can usually have shallow baths or use a power shower, it's not like one bit of water and they dare not go near it otherwise they'd probably die of dehydration. Think of it as similar to a fear of heights. You don't gett hat fear walking up a hill usually do you? No. But up a mountain you would.