With summer comes the opportunity to dip in the open waters- whether it be the local pool, lake, river, or ocean. But for some, the thought of swimming in anything other than a chlorinated pool is enough to send them into a full-blown panic attack.
If you’re one of those people who get anxious at the mere thought of open water swimming, don’t worry- you’re not alone. Studies have shown that open-water swimming fear is one of the most common phobias worldwide.
In today’s article, we’ll outline the most common fears associated with open water swimming and give you five tips on overcoming them.
How prevelant is Open Water Swimming Fear
While the exact numbers vary, it’s estimated that anywhere from 10-20% of people fear open water swimming. That means that out of every ten people you know, at least one of them is probably petrified about swimming in anything other than a pool.
What does this fear look like? For some, it manifests as mild discomfort or uneasiness. Others may experience more intense symptoms such as shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and even full-blown panic attacks.
No matter how mild or severe your symptoms may be, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in your fear.
Most Common Open Water Swimming Fears
So what about open water swimming that makes it so scary for some people? Is it an irrational fear, or is it based on something real? In most cases, it’s a combination of both. Here are some of the most common fears associated with open water swimming:
- Lack of clarity: You can’t see the bottom when swimming in open water. That can make it difficult to gauge how deep the water is, which can be especially scary if you’re not a strong swimmer.
- Water depth: Along the same lines, not being able to see the bottom can make it difficult to know how deep the water is. If you’re swimming in an area with a sudden drop-off, it can be easy to misjudge the depth and end up over your head.
- Water life: Another common fear is the possibility of running into something dangerous in the water. While most open waters are relatively safe, there is always the possibility of encountering an aggressive or harmful animal.
- Temperature: The temperature of open water can also be a source of anxiety for some people. If the water is too cold, it can be difficult to catch your breath, and you may start to feel dizzy or lightheaded.
- Disorientation: Finally, another common fear is disorientation. There are no lane lines or walls to help you orient yourself when swimming in open water. That can make getting lost or turned around easily, which can be especially scary if you’re not a strong swimmer.
Five Ways to Combat Open Water Phobia
Now that we’ve gone over some of the most common fears associated with open water swimming, let’s talk about how to overcome them. While eliminating your fear may not be possible, you can do a few things to make the experience less daunting.
Here are five tips on overcoming your fear of open water swimming:
1. Get the right gear
One of the best ways to feel more comfortable in open water is to invest in the right gear. A good wetsuit or swimsuit will keep you warm and help you float, and make it easier to swim.
With the best tow floats for open-water swimming, you can stay safe and visible to other swimmers. And if you’re really struggling with anxiety, consider investing in a swimming pool alarm system that will notify you if someone enters the water.
2. Become familiar with the area
If you’re planning on swimming in open water, it’s important to take the time to familiarize yourself with the area. Look for safe places to enter and exit the water, and be sure to avoid areas with strong currents or a lot of boat traffic.
It’s also a good idea to research the local wildlife and know what to do if you encounter an aggressive animal. And finally, make sure you know the local water temperature and whether or not you’ll need a wetsuit or other gear to stay warm.
3. Practice your swimming technique
People without a lot of experience in the water often struggle with anxiety because they don’t know how to swim effectively. If that’s the case for you, consider taking a swimming lesson or two to learn some basic techniques.
A good place to start is with the freestyle stroke. Once you feel comfortable with that, you can move on to other strokes like the backstroke or breaststroke.
4. Never go out to open waters alone
One of the best ways to stay safe in open water is never to swim alone. If possible, always swim with a buddy or group of friends. That way, if something happens, someone will be there to help.
If you’re swimming in an area with a lot of boat traffic, swimming with a flag is also a good idea. That way, boats will be able to see you and will know to avoid you.
5. Practice comfort in discomfort
Last but not least, one of the best ways to overcome your fear of open water swimming is to practice comfort in discomfort. That means getting used to being in the water and feeling uncomfortable.
One way to do this is to start swimming in a pool with your clothes on. Then, gradually work your way up to swimming in colder and deeper water.
Another way to practice comfort in discomfort is to take a cold shower or bath. This will help you get used to the sensation of being in cold water and make it easier to handle when swimming in open water.
Closing Thoughts
Open water swimming can be a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. However, it’s also important to be prepared and take the necessary precautions.
Following the tips in this article can help you overcome your fear of open water swimming and make the experience more enjoyable.