Some people are so comfortable in the water that they could understandably be mistaken for being fish because they spend so much time in it. Some even make a career out of it because they love it so much. Other people, however, are not so fortunate and instead find themselves petrified at the idea of swimming. If you’re one of those who has a fear of swimming as an adult, there are some things you can do to work on overcoming that.
Get Comfortable
If you’re going to try to face your fear of swimming, you might as well do yourself a favor and do it in as comfortable an environment as possible. Start with warm water. Something in the range of the high 80’s should be pleasant. If the water is cold, your body is more likely to be tense and it will be more difficult to breathe calmly. This can create an artificial feeling of stress that will make working through your fear more difficult.
Gain Control
Once you’re in a physically comfortable setting, the next thing to do is to learn how to control your whole body in the water. It’s easier to not be scared when you have more control over what’s happening, which is exactly what learning to swim is all about. Learn how your body feels when it’s in the water. The buoyancy water creates will change how you feel in comparison to how things feel on land. Learn how to control your breathing, your position in the water, your limbs, and more. The more control you have, the less your fear should be able to control you.
Expand Your Experience
Once you’ve gotten more comfortable in the water and you’ve gained control over your body, the next thing to do is to challenge yourself. Expand your comfort zone. This is an opportunity to stretch yourself and to take the next step in overcoming your fear. Try swimming in cooler water or in an environment with more people.
Overcoming fears can be a real challenge. If you can manage to do it though, it can be an incredibly empowering experience. Swimming is a useful skill that can literally save your life. If you’re someone who’s afraid of swimming, know that you’re not alone and that there are things that can be done to improve your situation.
Swimming lessons can help you feel more confident in the water. Check out our Adult Programs to see what we can do to help you.