Fear of swimming can be conquered in the water if the fear is not overwhelming. Gradually increasing your exposure to water in a controlled setting, preferably with a confident friend, can eliminate your fear of swimming. If you experience feelings of phobia when you think about swimming, such as increased heart rate, sweating, and feeling sick to your stomach, then you may require counseling to ease your fear. Speaking with a counselor away from the water can help you understand where your fear comes from, and give you effective tools for dealing with the fear.
For a more generalized fear of swimming, the symptoms of which include tension, feeling out of balance or insecure in the water, swimming with your head out of the water, and becoming anxious if there are other swimmers nearby, working with a buddy can help you feel more confident in the water. Working with someone who is a confident swimmer can help you feel confident. It is also important to set yourself up for success, by choosing a calm area to work. Avoid open water swims and overcrowded pools while you are working on your confidence.
Before you begin the process of becoming more comfortable in the water, take some time to determine the source of your fear of swimming. If you did not grow up around water, you may be fearful because you never learned to swim. Lessons may be all that are required for you to become comfortable in the water. If you have had a bad experience in the water, you may require counseling or a slow reintroduction to the water to alleviate your fears.
Know the symptoms of fear that you experience, so that you can be aware of them once you enter the water. If you normally become tense and hold your breath as you become afraid, concentrate on taking deep breathes and mindfully relaxing your muscles. This is where your buddy is valuable. Ask your partner to look for signs of fear, such as tension and awkward body motions, and point them out to you.
Take your time and don't plan on getting over your fear of swimming in one session. Gradual, positive exposures to water will increase your comfort level. Pushing yourself to do more than you are comfortable with will create additional tension, and prolong the time it takes you to become comfortable. Wait until you are confident swimming in controlled situations before attempting open water swims, which are less predictable and more challenging.
