Overcoming the fear of water. 

Fear of water (aqua phobia) is more common than you might think! 

Roughly 55% of the world’s population has a fear of water. This ranges from children to adults. At Zoggs, we believe that everyone deserves to enjoy the water, whether it be for competition, fitness or leisure. That’s why we want to help. In this blog, you can find tips and ideas to support you in overcoming that fear, and finding your comfort and confidence in the water. 

There is a wide range of different levels of aqua phobia, whether it be being in the water, or even just the thought. This may have developed at any point in life, but most commonly comes from bad experiences with the water. 

Set a goal & take it slowly

Overcoming a fear of water takes time, and it’s important to take things at your own pace. Start small, even just dipping your feet in the water or spending time in the baby pool can be a great first step. Each time you visit the pool, try gradually building on your goal, working toward getting in up to shoulder height. Remember, celebrate each achievement along the way. Every small step is progress on the journey to feeling confident in the water.

Use Floatation Devices

Using flotation devices like noodles, kickboards, or buoyancy training aids can be a fantastic way to build confidence once you’re in the water. These tools help support your body, allowing you to focus on getting comfortable without worrying about staying afloat. They’re perfect for practicing kicks, floats, or even just relaxing and feeling the water around you. Over time, as your confidence grows, you can gradually reduce your reliance on these devices and start exploring swimming more freely. It’s important to note - they’re not just for beginners; even experienced swimmers use them to build technique and feel secure in the water.

Breathing techniques

It may sound silly, but controlling your breathing is an important technique, especially in swimming!

When you’re afraid, your body naturally starts to react, such as heart rate rising, shortness of breath and muscles start to tense up. If you can control your breathing, then you can slowly ease in.

Tip for slowly putting your head in the water:

Start by standing in shallow water, inhaling through your nose, and exhaling slowly through your mouth. Once you feel calm, you can try putting your face in the water while continuing to focus on your breath. Over time, breathing becomes second nature, and the fear begins to fade.

Getting over a fear is never easy, and take a lot of time, perseverance, and discipline. When getting over a fear, it’s always recommended to go with someone you know and trust, who can help you in your journey.

It’s never easy, but your body will thank you for it!