BLOG: Conquering Water Fears – Is a Marathon Not a Sprint, But Will Be So Rewarding
Conquering a fear of water can be intimidating and difficult for anyone, no matter their age. It’s often the biggest hurdle for those who want to learn how to swim, or simply want to enjoy water time with their family on holiday, but struggle to face their fear. It can often develop early in life or even later on.
The causes of water fear vary. It might stem from a past traumatic event, or it could result from learned behaviours or misconceptions picked up from others.
But don’t worry, overcoming this fear is possible through gradual exposure. STA has partnered with the experts at Institute of Aquaphobia (IOA), and their Angel Coaches are trained to help individuals face their water fears using a 1-12 staged plan.
With this being #InternationalAquaphobiaDay, we’ve partnered with IOA to break this plan down a little, and share our top 5 helpful tips for supporting patrons, family, or friends who may have a fear of water. These tips are designed to encourage those with a fear to reach out and seek professional help, and show them that as aquatic professionals we understand, and that support is available.
- Create Positive Associations and Visualise Success
For many swimmers, the water excites them, it’s a fun time. They hear splashing, see people enjoying themselves, and feel energised by the water. In contrast, for those with a fear of water, these sensory sounds might seem overwhelming and the thought of being submerged, or even dipping their toe in or even being anywhere near the pool hall, can create anxiety and physical discomfort. Before even stepping in the pool hall, those with a fear will be taught how to start visualising a positive experience. They will be encouraged to imagine the sights, sounds, and sensations of the water – everything from the temperature to how it feels against their skin. This helps set the stage for a calm and reassuring experience.
- Understand the Water’s Role
As swimming teaching professionals, we know that if you understand the water and how your body moves within it, it can ease some of the fear. The highly trained Angel Coaches will explain basic concepts like hydrodynamics (how water moves around a person) and buoyancy (why we float). Learning about how the body interacts with the water – whether you’re relaxed or tensing your muscles – helps demystify the process and builds confidence. The IOA Angels guide participants, step-by-step, to experience how water flows over their body in a safe, calm environment.
- Start Small – Get Your Feet Wet
In the early stages, the Angel Coaches will take gradual steps to help participants feel comfortable. They might start participants off by sitting on the poolside with their feet in the water. This allows the person to acclimate to the sensation without feeling overwhelmed. When they are ready, and only when they are ready, will they encourage participants to slowly lower themselves into the water, allowing their body to feel supported by the water.
- Gain Confidence Gradually
Throughout the learning process, the IOA Angels ensure participants are always supported, whether it’s by your coach, floatation devices, or pool assistants. As confidence builds, simple exercises will be introduced, like walking in the water, splashing hands, and getting a participant’s face wet. Eventually, moving on to putting their face fully into the water, with breathing exercises to help them stay calm.
- Practice Floating, Sculling, and Kicking
As participants grow more comfortable, the IOA Angels will introduce floating and sculling (moving through the water with small hand movements). At this stage, many new swimmers feel a sense of achievement as they realise how far they’ve come. They will provide support while practicing floating techniques and gently kicking in the water, helping participants to get used to being unsupported. These movements lay the foundation for swimming strokes and becoming confident in the water.
The journey to overcoming a person’s fear of water is gradual – it’s a marathon not a sprint – but with patience, practice, and support, participants can soon find themselves more at ease in the water than ever before. Every step forward is progress, and the IOA Angels are there guiding every step of the way.
Everyone’s experience with fear is unique, and each person’s journey in the water is personal. That’s why IOA encourage anyone working to overcome their fear to take things at their own pace. Overcoming fear is a significant achievement, and with time and patience, the long-term rewards will make it all worth it!
If you are a professional swimming teacher and would like to train to become an IOA Angel Coach, and be involved in these rewarding journeys, take a look at our the IOA’s online learning programmes.
These learning programmes, endorsed by STA, give swimming teachers the opportunity to develop a much deeper understanding of water phobia so you can help your participants to relax, float and importantly feel happy in the water.
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- #BreakingBarriers, Swimming Teaching
