Overcoming Fear in Water

Fear can be a big problem to overcome. It is a very basic instinct that there is to keep us all safe from danger. When we are scared, we literally fear for our lives. The best way to prevent fear is to ensure that we are exposed to absolutely every stimulus that we may come into contact with. The best way to overcome fear is to gently expose yourself to the things we are frightened of. The exposure need to be frequent and short, and must never cause more fear than is already there.

For years, I had unexplained feelings of fear of water. It wasn’t that I disliked being in water. I loved to take a bath and go to the beach or swimming pool. However, I was unwilling to put my face in or to submerge myself past the waist. Even if I would tag along with my friends in going to different beaches in the Philippines, I will just end up near the shoreline. I would watch them play or swim until they were no longer within my sight. On occasions of our company summer outing I never attempted to join any water sports for fear of submerging in the sea beyond my waist. I always feared dangers in the sea or threat of any injury in the course of my joining the water sports. While my friends and office mates are enjoying the beach I am on the sides trying to hibernate at the comforts of our hotel room and cottage. I would end up always reading inside our rented room trying to ease the boredom after I’ve tired myself strolling around from visiting almost all the souvenir shops. I would only show up on occasions of picture taking, games within the shoreline and mealtime.

I recently overcome my fears of water when my friend Fe, my officemates (Angie, Jay and Razel) and I decided to explore White Beach at Puerto Galera. We left Manila on the night of September 1, 2006 for a 2-day swimming binge at the island. We had tour the island and on (September 3, 2006) our last day we decided to try the Banana Boat ride within the vicinity of the beach resort. I am anxious at first of joining the group however because of our agreement the night before that we will try the water sport I obliged to join them. Upon embarking on the boat I felt my feet trembling and I was so nervous and afraid we might drown at the middle of the sea. When the driver of the speedboat started the engine I wanted to back out, however, it’s too late for me to alight from the boat. We were able to hurdle the driver’s attempt to upturn the Banana boat right at the middle of the sea (thanks to Jay’s expertise). Overturning the boat is part of the sport; the driver intentionally upturned the boat on his fourth attempt leaving us helpless. I thought I passed out after our fall. I fall on my side with my head hitting the water first. When I got into my senses I tried to navigate however I felt my life vest loosen (even if it’s not). I can’t see nothing but large body of seawater all over and I realized that we were in the middle of the sea upon seeing Fe and Razel knuckle under the boat. I came to Angie’s side trembling upon seeing my companion all submerged in water. I thought we were all in danger upon seeing Razel and Fe holding the boat shouting for help. I was so fearful because of the thought that I can’t even swim in shallow water. Maybe the boat’s helper sensed that I was in fear that’s why he chose me to be the first to go up the boat. And when we finally started our route again, I felt I lost my fear upon knowing that the next time we fall I know I will still be able to make it to the shoreline whole. I know I am afraid of drowning and I am fearful of swimming even if I am properly taught. Taking a jump into deep water and actually swimming, despite the perceived threat of drowning, can be a brave move. I am confident that I can do it again and the next time I set foot at Puerto Galera Banana Boating will still be included in my itinerary.

A fear of water is not something to take lightly. In their book Monsters Under the Bed and Other Childhood fears, Stephen W. Garber, PhD and his coauthors warn the reader that a child’s fear of water can be quite a handicap. It means that when all children are jumping in the pool, you will be left on the sidelines. Worse than that, if you are so frightened of the water that you are unable to swim, it is dangerous to play near the water, “they say.
Clearly, it is beneficial to help yourself get over your fear of the water as soon as possible. A good way to start is to try to verbalize what you specifically fears. Are you afraid to put your face in the water because the water will hurt your eyes? Are you afraid to go down and not come back up? Try to recall these past experiences. Do you have an accident at a pool, or something as simple as getting soap in your eyes during a bath? If you can get the root of your fear, you have a place to begin.

Fear is a natural reaction to danger or threat of injury. The problem occurs when the danger is not real or the fears are not rational. You can overcome irrational fears by confronting them in a safe—but yet scary—environment. Small success over danger can build up your confidence and bravery.