Aquaphobia: how to overcome your fear of water?

In France, 1 in 6 people say they can’t swim or are aquaphobic.
This proportion increases with age: 5% in the 15-24 age group and over 35% in the 65-75 age group. This fear of the aquatic environment, more or less deep-rooted, can arise at a very young age and persist over the years. (Santé Publique France figures)

If left untreated, it tends to persist and even increase in intensity over time.

As with any phobia, aquaphobia has many origins:

1. due to having experienced a traumatic event (with or without memories) that has provoked a feeling of powerlessness and deep fear
2. When you have seen or heard about a traumatic or upsetting event that triggers a panic reaction.
3. Fear caused by underdeveloped swimming or aquatic skills
4. The one where you’ve learned to swim but still feel anxious and scared in the water
5. due to social pre-conditioning caused by family customs or by a fear unconsciously transmitted by parents (children are veritable sponges)
6. due to a physical problem such as an allergy to chlorine or to bacteria present in the natural environment

Anti-aquaphobia courses take place in small groups with the coach in the water, so as to be as close as possible to the specific needs and degree of fear of each individual. Students feel confident and take it one step at a time, with no time-scale or pressure.

The basic principles are taught in stages: entering the water, controlling breathing, standing upright, floating and moving through the water.

Municipal swimming pools and water sports centers also offer aquaphobia courses, under the supervision of a lifeguard, to help you overcome your fear of water.