I'm scared of open water ie lakes and the ocean. Any advice?

Question

i'm fine in swimming pool no matter how deep they are but i wont go deeper than i can stand up in once i'm in the ocean. (i'm only 5'3 so thats not very deep). I think i'm scared of the unknown and stuff like sharks and eels. I also dont like swimming over reeds incase there is something lurking in them.

i've been snorkelling before and loved it but i would like to go deeper next time. I would someday like to go scuba diving but at the moment i know i couldnt bring myself to do it.

I want to try surfing but am scared of bing attacked by a shark or something because the board looks like a seal.

Please please give me some advice on how to overcome my fears.

Answer 1

Actually I can see what you mean. If you don't have a mask on, venturing outside the "swimmer area" where the weeds start can be intimidating. I scuba dive... a lot.

I dive everywhere but a lot in the great lakes and river systems. once you get past, and into the weeds, fish are there, things people lost are there...it's a great experience.

Last year diving in my river I had a pet Bass. Everytine I dived, he'd find me and follow along. I'd find him crayfish and hand feed him.

It's a whole different world down there and once you get past the fear of what may appear to be dark, it's wonderful.

So for starters, swim with a dive mask, maybe a snorkle, so you can "see" what's down there. It will probably help you get past your fears.

~Rick

Answer 2

well dont go there,

if you REALLY have/want to

then go with someone else

who will make you feel secure

but basically why do you have to do it in the first place!?

x

Answer 3

try going in baby steps. start by going in to where you can touch. then the next day go alittle farther. then alittle farther until you feel comfrotable enough to go anywhere in the water. it will also help if you take a buddy.

also the lifeguards are watching for sharks and they're concerned for your safety. that's why they have areas blocked off to where you can and cannot swim. sharks tend to not even go towards the shore becasue of all the people. so try not to worry and just have fun!

Answer 4

i would say dont worry just have fun and remember there is no diffrence other then there being fish in the other water