What can i do to stop being afraid of water? And swimming ?

Question

i'm not afraid of being in a four of five feet pool but when i go into a six foot pool i get really scared and panic. And i don't know how to swim. and i have to learn how to swim in my p.e. class. i'm really nervous.

Answer 1

ok go to this link and watch the video

http://our.marines.com/?WT.mc_id=PR_0272...

its about a US Marine who had the same problem...maybe it will motivate you.

Answer 2

Just stay close to the pool edge as you get closer to the deep end, and then, holding on, shimy your way over until you are at the deep end.  Take several deep breaths to relax, push yourself off ONLY 3 TO 4 INCHES OR SO so you can grab on immediately in an emergency, and hold your breath while "lying" in the water.  Your body should float up naturally.  In case you can't keep your head above the water, slowly and in a relaxed manner, move your arms and legs in a circular motion, thinking of them as "rudders" to keep you afloat or, "frog swim" "up" towards the surface, moving your arms and legs slowly, and in a relaxed manner.

It will take you several tries but once you learn to relax in the water it will become instinct.  Your primary concern, is learning to relax in the water; tension while in the water has resulted in many a drowning victim.  If you find yourself stuck in the pool, if you find yourself with water in your lungs desperate for air, control yourself and do not breathe, as it will put water in your lungs if you gasp and kick around too much.  Relax, relax, RELAX.  When you have composed yourself, make your way to an edge.  When first starting to swim, make it a point to swim only along the edges until you gain expertise.

good luck.

Answer 3

i'm sorry about this fear...i stuggled with it as well until this summer. i am 30+ and have just now learned to swim. i took private lessons this summer and now i LOVE swimming. it is so fun. if you can float on your back, then you are good....when you are trying to swim in the deep end and you start to panic, you can always flip onto your back to gain control and calm your breathing down. You are in NO race so just take the swimming slowly. If I were you, I would calmly let your p.e. teacher know that you have a true fear and you really need help with the swimming. Another thing I've noticed is goggles ease some of the anxiety because you can see where you are going...not in this great panic while not being able to see on top of it. my instructor would stay by me the whole time in the pool, so I knew if I ever freaked out I could just grab her and be ok. i think you will do well...commit to overcoming this fear NOW and you will be so glad you didn't wait as long as I did. Oh...another thing, you may want to tell your parents how nervous you are and see if they can get you some help on the side. you can do it!!!!

Answer 4

first you have to learn how to swimm.

   1. get into the water, making sure that it is not too deep for you. holding on to the side of the pool, or someone you trust, let your head go under water. remember to hold your breath. if you blow bubbles out of your nose then water will not go up your nose.

   2. grab onto the side of the pool and let your legs float out behind you. this will be easier if you put your face in the water. start kicking your feet and get a feel for how it's done. when you're ready, stop kicking and proceed to step #3.

   3. turn around so you are facing the open water.

   4. slightly jump off the ground and bring your right arm in front of you, cup your hand and push your arm through the water until it's at your side. repeat the process with your other arm. you are pushing yourself through the water with your arms.

   5. at the same time, kick with your feet, like you did in step #2. this will make you move faster.

   6. if your arms get tired, do not panic! you can flip over onto your back, let your arms float out to your sides, like a 'T', and let your feet float out in front of you. relax, then just kick with your feet to keep moving, or just kick your leg

    * Don't panic! If you get exhausted, flip over onto your back and float - as described in Step #6.

    * Until you are comfortable in the water do not go into water that will be deeper than your chest. That way, if you get scared or tired, you can put your feet down without too much of a struggle.

    * If you are really skinny, you will not be able to float, because fat is what keeps you buoyant. You may want to try wearing a life jacket.

    * When you first learn to swim, you are using your muscles in new ways, and this is extremely tiring. Always have someone nearby who can swim well.

    * Underwater breathing contests are very dangerous. Although you might think, "we are only a couple feet in the water," if you stay underwater for too long, you can drown quite easily. But don't be scared, just say politely, "No thanks," if someone asks you to have an underwater breathing contest.

    * Make sure there is another person present that is able to swim in case of emergency.

    * You can also take swimming lessons at most public pools.

    * If your legs sink while floating on your back, try to put your arms over your head as if you were reaching for something, this will make your legs float up upwards.

    * Keep your head down in the water. If you lift it up to breathe, your body sinks and stops all forward motion. To breathe roll to your side, head stays down but finds air with your chin just over the high shoulder.

    * Lengthen your pull through the water. Reach way out ahead, pull straight through centered under your body, then keep pushing down to your thigh before the hand leaves the water. The recovering hand moves in a straight line forward just above the water to reach way ahead again. Think long stroke.

Trust yourself most importantly! Of course it will take time and patience, if you have a teacher then they should understand this. You can join swimming lessons in your area that have classes for adults as well as children.

Step2

You should learn the patterns of breathing techniques that you can use above and below water before attempting to swim. You can hold onto the side of pool and go under water holing on to ensure your safety and get used to be under water. Use your breathing techniques!

Step3

Have a good mind set! Do not think that it is 'impossible or to hard' that will only hold you back. Again holding on to side of the pool you can lay in the water with your body afloat and kick your legs. eventually letting go and trying this in the shallow end of the pool so that you can be safe as well.

Step4

The best thing that you can do is at least take a few lessons at a local swim club or YMCA, or any place in your area that offers lessons. You need someone that knows what they are doing by your side. At least a friend that you can trust who knows how to swim if you don't want to take lessons.

Last but not least, have fun with it. Give yourself credit for trying something new. Have patience and work hard. Stay focused and don't give up!