6 Tips on How to Conquer Fear of Open Water Swimming
Extreme fear of water is one of the commonest ones out there. So, people who have this sort of fear should know that they are not alone. Several studies have shown that a little over 14 million people worldwide don’t feel comfortable in the water. However, staying out of the water means you will miss a valuable experience.
Swimming in a pool and an open sea are not the same. That is why these two are regarded as different disciplines. We admit that fear of open water swimming can seem intimidating, especially to those not confident enough regarding their skills. However, that doesn’t mean an individual cannot overcome this fear. Today, we want to present you with tips on how to do just that.
1.) Understand Your Fear
Understanding and embracing your fears sounds much easier than it is. We are talking about something Understanding and embracing your fears sounds much easier than it is. However, we are talking about something irrational. Therefore, you cannot resolve it swiftly.
Every process of overcoming a fear starts within ourselves. First, we must listen to our inner voice and what it says. Then, when that inner voice doesn’t say positive things, try to combat it. For example, being scared of water is quite common, as we’ve already said.
Open water is vast, deep, and has many unknowns we have to face. Unfortunately, most people had an experience that troubles them to the present day. But that doesn’t mean that open water swimming is always dangerous.
In many cases, open water fear is not about swimming ability, but about lack of control and visibility.
So, whenever you are faced with the pressure coming from your inner voice, try to remember all the times you saw people swimming without consequences. Also, support your positive thoughts by following the tips you got from a professional and the equipment that will ensure your safety.
2.) Practice
The first practical thing you should do is practice as much as you can. You need to start with some baby steps before you are confident enough.
Therefore, we advise you to take these steps in a pool first. For instance, start with pools whose entire distance is 50 meters, then slowly move towards longer efforts whenever you’re ready.
Before you are ready for the next step, you should swim a smaller distance several times. Two laps in a 50-meter pool are more than enough initially.
One of the things people fear the most is that they cannot rest while in open water. Because of that, learning how to flip on your back and float is crucial before you are ready to continue. Plus, we feel it is important to avoid touching the pool’s walls. These are places where you can rest. Removing them as a possibility will help you learn to rely only on your competence, which is always useful for boosting self-confidence.
3.) Breathing Techniques
Anxiety is at the very root of the fear of swimming. Anxiety attacks come whenever we are unsure what to do in a certain situation. The most efficient way to overcome an anxiety attack is to control your emotions fully. Unfortunately, not many things are effective in this regard as breathing techniques.
Try to relax your shoulders whenever you feel anxiety coming while in water. After that, take a deep breath, which should last at least a few seconds. Then slowly exhale. Repeat this as many times as you need before you are ready to continue swimming. It is a simple truck, but it always helps in times of need.
4.) Physical Preparation
Besides psychological preparation, you should also commit time to the physical component. Open water swimming requires strength and endurance from the athlete.
That way, the swimmer can handle changing conditions and unexpected challenges.
You should be capable of adjusting your pace during a swim. Sometimes you will maintain a steady rhythm, while at other moments you may need to increase your tempo.
Professionals understand how challenging this can be if you are not physically prepared. In many cases, a lack of physical readiness increases the feeling of fear, because fatigue reduces your sense of control.
The key element is consistency. Not being able to handle the physical demands will make open water feel significantly more difficult.
5.) Look for a Coach
Overcoming the challenges of open water swimming is not a journey you should undergo alone. Instead, finding an experienced coach is one of the best decisions you can make. That professional should understand your fear. They can help you overcome the small things that cause your fear.
Building your confidence is as important as learning all the techniques to make you a better swimmer. Be sure to provide the coach with all the information about the emotions that water triggers in you – and luckily, here at Swim Like A. Fish we offer Virtual Coaching Packages for swimmers JUST LIKE YOU! We know this may be uncomfortable for many individuals, but the feeling of beating the fear will be a rewarding experience.
6.) Train in Full Gear
You should proceed with more advanced training once your confidence improves.
First, wear a wetsuit. This will help you better understand how your body feels in open water conditions.
Also, try different goggles before choosing the ones that suit you best.
Besides these, a cap, sunscreen, and tow float are also important. These tools are not just about performance — they also increase your sense of safety, which plays a major role in reducing open water fear.
Finally, many professionals emphasize the importance of hydration and nutrition.
The best way to manage these is to develop a simple routine. After several sessions, you will begin to understand what your body needs.
Summary
Conquering fear of open water swimming is a gradual process. There are many elements that require attention, both mental and physical.
Here, we’ve outlined some of the most important ones. With consistency and the right approach, you will begin to feel more comfortable and in control in open water.