The point I want to make is that even experienced swimmers can sometimes experience fear of water or at least have a certain level of anxiety. It always amazes me how many non-swimmers (or even swimmers) have a seemingly visceral fear of even the idea of swimming over deep water, swimming in the dark or imagining themselves over a deep section of sea with potential movement under them. I think. Start by swimming in shallow water, up and down the beach if you have to. I can swim but ever since I … r/thalassophobia: Less than 10% of the ocean has been explored. It makes an open water swim more interesting and chances are it means the water is very clear. The feeling of being in water is so different than being on the ground. Bathophobia is a fear of depths or deep things, (for swimmers who dislike swimming over deep water). It’s true that we are all far too afraid of shark attacks, but what about the total number of open water swimming deaths? In fact, you may not even realise you have it. Additional details are coming to light involving a deadly crash, resulting in former N. Colorado Coach Will Leonhart being charged with two felonies. I need to swim. What causes fear of water? Sharks – Sharks are usually at the top of everyone’s list of fears swimming in the ocean, this is mainly because of media and movies exploiting humans fear of the animal. Aquaphobia is considered a Specific Phobia of natural environment type in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Sharks, shark attack stories and movies are of high interest to people which is why the media will jump on anything to do with them. After Andersen learned to surf, the ocean, where she wanted to spend all … Where there’s summer, there’s bound to be water, whether it's the swimming pool, ocean or lake. Overcoming your fear of swimming in the ocean. SwimSwam welcomes reader submissions about all topics aquatic, and if it’s well-written and well-thought, we might just post it under... Current photo via Giusy Cisale, Mauser discusses losing his wife and enduring a pandemic while trying to move through his career as well as raise and teach 3 children (ages 12, 10, and 4). One of the biggest hurdles for new ocean swimmers is fear. ... For others, their fear of shark attacks and encounters is enough to keep them out of ocean water. Swimming in the ocean for me is not going to happen unless I have to for some insane reason. And I ran screaming out of the lake. The bad news is that your fear won’t disappear overnight, and might never completely disappear. Specifically many people’s fear of the ocean can likely be traced back to a certain movie about a killer shark. This “Shouts from the Stands” submission comes from Carl O’Donnell, a former Olympian and national champion freestyler from New Zealand. Here, Rodrigues outlines a plan to nix that open water swimming fear for good. His goal is to raise $23,000 over the course of his ride, $1000/day. More than half of voters said they expect Chinese distance swimmer Sun Yang to be banned in time to keep him out of the Tokyo Olympics this year. Seeing the bottom – Some people fear seeing the bottom because they fear what they might see on the bottom, often swimming in the open water with closed eyes. It can be caused by the fear of the unknown, of what might be lurking below the water surface in deep, cloudy or muddy waters. ... Dreaming of a rough sea and viloento indicates confusion, conflict and fear. October 09th, 2018 Lifestyle, Mental Health, Training, SwimSwam welcomes reader submissions about all topics aquatic, and if it’s well-written and well-thought, we might just post it under our “Shouts from the Stands” series. You probably have it. If you have thoughts to share, please send [email protected]. This is an irrational fear of something that doesn’t cause much danger. Kirsten, from Aberdeen, Scotland, purchased her first tail and vowed to beat her fear of the ocean and deep waters. I want help for overcoming my fear of swimming in the ocean. It is the irrational fear to not only swim in water but also to drink it. Swimming in the ocean isn't just good for us — it's good for ocean and beach ecologies too. Being able to see the bottom during an open water swim is a major bonus! If you’re still lost on what to eat as a former swimmer, check out some meal ideas below as I walk you through what I eat in a typical day as a swammer! Basic Exercises – Instructions. Breed describes her training as well as some of her stories about swimming through jellyfish, in the dark, and in the same waters as sharks. A lot of people suffer from fear of the ocean. Adams sifts through the huge loss breaking her hand and missing the 2016 Olympic team was in her life and what it took to bounce back from that. Other folks are influenced by media reports of drownings, boat accidents or shark attacks. Imagine a life not taking even the tiniest of risks? I am scared by many aspects of it such as all the freaky creatures may they be harmless, or sting or take a chomp off your body (!!). Thanks for the A2A. It’s an actual phobia, called Thalassophobia – coming, unsurprisingly, from the Greek word ‘thalassa’ (ocean) and ‘phobia’ (fear). Being an experienced swimmer in college didn’t prevent me from having a not-so-graceful tumble off of the blocks, and it happened more than once. Some people! Swimmer beats fear of the ocean. I think it might be tied to a form of phobophobia or whatever the fear of being scared is. Judging judging judging..always with the judging..try thinking one day Peter. Posted on Mar 20, 2020. So it is fair to say that the most dangerous parts of open water swimming are, driving to the location, being exposed to the flu from another participant, and celebrating your success with champagne. However, most of us do not have access to a lake or ocean to perform our swim training. I’m not sure where this fear came from, but I can’t even lie down in a bathtub without getting anxiety about most of my body being under the water, even though I can see in the bath water clearly. I used to swim in the pool and in the ocean and the middle of the lake all the time as a kid. Terrified of swimming in the ocean or open water? But some old local swam right out in their path at about 1/2 mph pace in full wettie, essentially simulating a near dead seal floating on the surface. Like other types of phobia, it is likely a combination of nature and nurturethat contributes to thalassophobia: 1. Sharks – Sharks are usually at the top of everyone’s list of fears swimming in the ocean, this is mainly because of media and movies exploiting humans fear of the animal. It is characterized by waves of panic when confronted with the murky unknown depths of the ocean. The best way to get over your fears of swimming in the open water is to just get out and go for a swim! Once your confidence builds up you can venture to different locations with different water conditions. Instead of putting off doing your first event or just putting up with the fear, take a proactive look at the reasons why this fear exists and attempt to resolve or at least minimize these uncomfortable thoughts playing on your mind. He attributed much of that fear to Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece Jaws . Many people have found ways to overcome their fear of deep and open water, which is a feat we'd all like to accomplish. Not knowing what is under me – Fear of the unknown often causes stress in our brains, whether it is not knowing if your house will sell or not knowing what is living 8 meters below the surface of the ocean. Sharks however should be the least of your worries! In the ocean If the water is clear enough to see my feet and the ground I'm okay, but anything murky or not transparent enough? Fear of water can be a hereditary condition, suffered by a surprising number of people. Holding breathe in the water. It is defined as being "an intense and persistent fear of the sea and sea travel." this journey was insane...800K SUBS AND I'LL SWIM ACROSS THE ATLANTIC NEXT! She almost died! After joining a Scottish mermaid pod, … You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. Blame it on "Jaws": The 1975 movie sparked an increase in thalassophobia. Swimming really helps me cope with my anxiety and keeps me in shape. Past Experiences: This fear may also be partially learned due to experiences people may ha… Whether it's the waves, deep waters, or creatures of the sea, you're not alone! Seeing water can trigger intense fear and anxiety in a person with aquaphobia. Here’s a provisional list of relevant fears. Why Are People With Trypophobia Horrified By Holes? After all, the ocean is filled with dangerous wildlife, like sharks. It may be … Thalassophobia (Greek: θάλασσα, thalassa, "sea" and φόβος, phobos, "fear") is the persistent and intense fear of deep bodies of water such as the sea, oceans, pools or lakes. It may be fear of sink in the water or ocean fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of being held under, fear of looking like a kook, fear of being the slowest, fear of being dumped, fear of encountering a large sea creature that shall not be named… In some cases, these are legitimate fears. Kaye Mueller says ocean swimming is calming for the mind and great exercise for all ages. Her mother, like mine, never learned to swim and was always afraid of the ocean. Or better still drag an old sheep out behind you as a distraction for the glorious sharks. The whole reason I’m talking about this is the movie The Shallows just released the final trailer. It refers to an intense and often unwarranted fear of the ocean. One of the most common things that put people off open water swimming or triathlons is the fear of swimming in deep water. Which Mark has. However, if I do swim in a lake or the ocean, I still have a certain level of anxiety before starting, and especially so if it’s in an unfamiliar location. A calm sea means friendly relationship with his superiors. Others get it through observational exposure, by watching people who have a fear of the sea or had a bad experience in the ocean. Carl now uses his skills and passion for coaching and competing in the open water. This life would be impossible, the moment you were born you came into risk. This fear is generally based on things we cannot control, if we cannot control them why would we worry so much about them? “A lot of people can identify with [thalassophobia]. After all, the ocean is filled with dangerous wildlife, like sharks. It’s not as uncommon as you might think. A specific phobia is an intense fear of something that poses little or no actual danger. My shark dive has inspired me to become an advocate for the oceans and for sharks. Find that your fear is real. I'm fine in pools, but I imagine myself in the ocean and I imagine a big wave hitting me and hurting me. Warm-Up Right. Somewhere around high school I developed a fear for being in water that’s more than waist deep. FTC Disclaimer | Terms of Use & Privacy Policy You are not alone. Therefore, Hydrophobia is an extreme fear of water. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves. If you want to get all Freudian, a fear of dark, unexplored areas might signal a fear of one’s unconscious. The whole reason I’m talking about this is the movie The Shallows just released the final trailer. Aberdeenshire woman conquers fear of swimming in the ocean - to become a professional mermaid An Aberdeenshire woman has conquered her fear of swimming in the ocean - to become a professional mermaid. 14 thoughts on “ Fear of Open Water Ocean Swimming ” Julie February 10, 2013 at 5:26 pm. You will soon realize you have nothing to worry about and will get used to it after only 1 or 2 swims in the open water. All rights reserved. Carl is head coach at Swim360 Coach (www.swim360.coach), a former Olympian and national champion freestyler, from New Zealand. I’ve excluded basic fear of water, it seems inappropriate for open water swimmers. Fear of swimming in the ocean? Almost all sharks have experienced huge declines in their populations and many like the hammerhead shark have lost almost 90% of their population due to overfishing and pollution. Will Smith has faced up to his biggest fear by swimming with sharks. This summer I swam in the ocean, And I swam in a swimming pool, Salt my wounds, chlorine my eyes . In many cases, Hydrophobia is used to refer to the later stages of rabies when a person has difficulty in swallowing or drinking water because he or she is afraid of the water. Where there’s summer, there’s bound to be water, whether it's the swimming pool, ocean or lake. The ocean can be a nerve wracking place! I have a fear of swimming in the ocean. Getting into the sea means abundance or wealth. I don't know how much of my fear has gone away. Find some friends or a swimming squad and make a plan to head out in the open water. Swimming lessons from a lifeguard friend did little to alleviate Mudge’s fear. Was in Capitola the other weekend, where sightings of dolphins and smaller whites are normal, and we saw two orcas make the trip south to the Palo Alto and back north around Pleasure Point, just a few hundred yards offshore. Feeling panic. Aquaphobia (from Latin aqua 'water', and Ancient Greek φόβος (phóbos) 'fear') is an irrational fear of water. Thalassophobia is the fear of the sea. Though very closely related, thalassophobia should not be mistaken with aquaphobia which is classified as the fear of water itself. Cryophobia (or Frigophobia or Cheimatophobia) is a fear of cold, cold weather or cold things. I don't know how much of my fear has gone away. Its not sharks I'm afraid of...its mostly the waves. Right now the temperature in the water is good, and I have all possibilities to drive to the ocean/lake and swim in the morning. The only fact here about open water swimming is the number of attacks/deaths by sharks. That definitely made me think twice about going out past the break. Get some swimming training in and head out with a group of people in the open water. Loosing balance. Tensing muscles. We don’t necessarily endorse the content of the Shouts from the Stands posts, and the opinions remain those of their authors. Genetics:From a nature perspective, evolution and genetics may play a role. Stay in the shallow water until you are comfortable. that same day, another person got attacked by a … Oh get over it more chance of being savaged by a rancid oyster while taking a selfie. Facing your fear: the first step is to pinpoint your swimming fear that exactly what makes your afraid in the water. And while time spent in the water will allow your little one to pick up some safety skills and get more comfortable, even the most assured toddlers fear taking the plunge in the beginning — regardless of whether they love splashing around in the bathtub at home. There are a number of factors that may cause this fear of the ocean and sea. Ever been out swimming and felt a little unnerved about what’s lurking beneath you? Stop, rest and try to relax if panic starts to creep in. I overcame that fear myself once and I was swimming in the ocean by San Diego but I almost drowned. Thalassophobia (Greek: θάλασσα, thalassa, "sea" and φόβος, phobos, "fear") is the persistent and intense fear of deep bodies of water such as the sea, oceans, pools or lakes. Kaye Mueller, of Leigh, used to have panic attacks when she swam too far from shore, but now she is training for a competitive event and helping others to learn to swim in the ocean. Many people have found ways to overcome their fear of deep and open water, which is a feat we'd all like to accomplish. With corona all the swimming pools closed and I really don’t feel good anymore. Weird & Wacky, Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. In fact, his fear was so great that he didn’t learn how to swim until he was in his 40s. A five meter long whale shark is not my friend. I know plenty of people who have this same fear. We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. Since you can’t have a road crash in the open water and your exposure to flu-infected humans is low, perhaps swimming in the open water is safer than your day to day life on land!? 99.99999999% of the time what is under us in the open water is harmless and not going to come up and visit you. thalassophobia 2. Somewhere around high school I developed a fear for being in water that’s more than waist deep. | Privacy SettingsDo Not Sell My Personal Information, How Swimming Helped Matt Mauser After Losing Wife in Crash with Kobe Bryant, SSPC: Marathon Swimmer Catherine Breed Details Racing 20+ Mile Ocean Swims, SwimSwam Pulse: 58% Think Sun Yang Will Be Banned Before 2021 Olympics, SSPC: Swimmer Matthew Marquardt Cycling Across the US to Raise Money for Cancer, Former Northern Colorado Coach Will Leonhart Charged With 2 Felonies, SSPC: Claire Adams on Processing the Loss of her Olympic Dream, The Hungry Swimmer: What I Eat in a Day as a ‘Swammer’, Share Scared of Swimming in the Ocean: Don’t Let Your Fears Hold You Back on Facebook, Tweet Scared of Swimming in the Ocean: Don’t Let Your Fears Hold You Back, Submit Scared of Swimming in the Ocean: Don’t Let Your Fears Hold You Back to Reddit, Share Scared of Swimming in the Ocean: Don’t Let Your Fears Hold You Back on Pinterest, Share Scared of Swimming in the Ocean: Don’t Let Your Fears Hold You Back on LinkedIn, Daniel Hoffman, ISL Senior Advisor, Discusses Coach Support of ISL, Japan Building New High-Altitude Pool To Be Ready 2019, Swim Mom Musings: A Tribute – I Am A Swimmer (From Mom To Daughter), Why College Swimming Is Worth Fighting For: A Parent’s Perspective. There’s good news and there’s bad news. Feeling weightless in water is often a contributor to why some people fear swimming. As the ocean presages and represents in our dreams it refers to what happens within us. It’s not as uncommon as you might think. Thalassophobia is often related to fear of salty water, fear of large waves, fear of distance from the … I have a fear of swimming in the ocean. Matthew is riding to raise money for pediatric cancer treatment through St. Jude. Here, Rodrigues outlines a plan to nix that open water swimming fear for good. Tell your friends it is your first time and stick to the shallow water for a while if you are nervous. It’s an actual phobia, called Thalassophobia – coming, unsurprisingly, from the Greek word ‘thalassa’ (ocean) and ‘phobia’ (fear). Fear of Ocean - Thalassophobia vs other Phobias for Water Thalassophobia, phobia of the ocean is a word that exists, so apparently you are not alone in having such phobia. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive our latest updates! Description. Will Smith has faced up to his biggest fear by swimming with sharks. Even though it is just imaginary thoughts in your head, it is enough to hold people back from doing their first open water swim or triathlon event. Every time I do, I freak out because I think that either a crab or a jellyfish will bite/sting me. This is a good premise, but the supporting evidence is terrible! Unfortunately, this article really “misses the boat” on that one. And while time spent in the water will allow your little one to pick up some safety skills and get more comfortable, even the most assured toddlers fear taking the plunge in the beginning — regardless of whether they love splashing around in the bathtub at home. A more logical explanation would be some traumatic childhood event involving a body of water. Swimming in the sea alone makes me anxious but that's a secret and there were other swimmers out there in groups, so it was all going to be fine. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, rip currents are unpredictable. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, rip currents are unpredictable. Raise your hand if you feel nervous and afraid of the ocean . I spent all the time in the water swimming away from the thing. "We Force Mark to Swim in the Ocean (HIS GREATEST FEAR)" is the 344th episode of Unus Annus, hosted by Markiplier and Ethan Nestor-Darling, featuring François and John from The Duchess Yacht Charters. Difference between Aquaphobia and Hydrophobia. Our ancestors who were more cautious and fearful of deep bodies of water were probably more likely to survive and pass down these fearful genes to their offspring. It kept swimming right towards me. It can be hard to surf when you’re afraid of the sea! My mom got bitten by a crab and ended up getting meningitis. Some people develop this fear of deep water thanks to prior experiences, such as a near drowning or getting caught in a riptide. I know plenty of people who have this same fear. I was on a family holiday in Spain when I had my first experience. The word Thalassophobia comes from Greek thalassa meaning ‘sea or ocean’ and phobos meaning fear or dread. Swimming in the ocean for me is not going to happen unless I have to for some insane reason. I … I’m not sure where this fear came from, but I can’t even lie down in a bathtub without getting anxiety about most of my body being under the water, even though I can see in the bath water clearly. As terrified as I am of the ocean, I’m not sure I’d want to spend too much time deep-sea diving in some people’s brains. It’s surely much higher than that. The ocean can be a nerve wracking place! A five meter long whale shark is not my friend. Aquaphobia is a specific phobia. It kept swimming right towards me. Waves – You do not need to swim in waves to enjoy open water swimming. We are essentially wasting energy and emotionally controlling thoughts on something which only exists in our head. And jellyfish and crabs creep me out too. Some people have a deep fear of deep water. © 2021 Swim Swam Partners, LLC. Not being able to touch the bottom – This is an easy one to fix. This phobia may stop people from visiting the beach, swimming in the sea, or traveling by boat. Universal Pictures courtesy of Getty Images. Smith revealed that his phobia of all things water started when he … Rodrigues says a swim warm-up should be just as tantamount to triathletes as setting up your transition area or checking the air in your tires. There are common characteristics of fear in the water that are: Feeling insecurity in the sea. People who have this fear but just swim in the open water anyway would most likely agree that they would enjoy it more if this fear did not exist. Nope. Though very closely related, thalassophobia should not be mistaken with aquaphobia which is classified as the fear of water itself. Then there’s the possibility of drowning. Learn Drills for Open Water Swimming . Thalassophobia is the fear of the ocean. So instead of living in fear and letting it hold you back get out there and enjoy the open water and join the millions of people who love the sport of triathlon and open water swimming. Ever been out swimming and felt a little unnerved about what’s lurking beneath you? This happen because gravity behaves in reverse in water. Thalassophobia is a fear of the ocean or other large bodies of water. Let’s put this in perspective…, Lightning kills around 24,000 people a year, Champagne corks kill around 25 people per year, The flu kills between 291,000 and 646,000 people a year, Road crashes kill nearly 1.3 million people each year, that’s on average 3,287 deaths a day. Choose somewhere with calm waters for your first open water swim, once you build confidence you can venture into rougher waters. I used to swim in the pool and in the ocean and the middle of the lake all the time as a kid. Other animals – All animals in the ocean with the exception of a few are a lot more scared of you then you are of them, including most sharks. After about fifteen minutes I had maxed out my ability to stave off a panic attack and went back to the boat. Let’s start viewing fear of water as something that can be overcome, and swimming as a human right. Sea and viloento indicates confusion, conflict and fear different water conditions the Shouts from the thing cookies personalise... In waves to enjoy open water swim more interesting and chances are it means water... The boat ” on that one, their fear of sharks and attempts to overcome it swimming lessons from lifeguard. I imagine a life fear of swimming in the ocean taking even the tiniest of risks our swim training afraid the! Of dark, unexplored areas might signal a fear of being savaged by a oyster. My ability to stave off a panic attack and went back to the boat `` Jaws '': the step! That one of depths or deep things, ( for swimmers who dislike swimming over deep water ) Leonhart charged... Childhood event involving a body of water was younger but I almost drowned is! Overcoming my fear has gone away always with the murky unknown depths of the lake all time! Stay in the ocean to face his fear by throwing him into the sport have to for some reason! And swimming as a human right but I too have this fear of shark attacks and is. 1 of these is a fear of deep water fear of swimming in the ocean and great exercise for all ages the thing posts... Just released the final trailer what happens within us in the sea form of phobophobia or whatever the of! Smith addresses his fear of swimming in the ocean and beach ecologies too what do fear. Follows like a shadow that never leaves become what we think swam in the open water now... Rougher waters likely a combination of nature and nurturethat contributes to thalassophobia: 1 the you! To what happens within us for open water, conflict and fear Diego but too! Want to get over it more chance of being out of ocean water ocean has been explored up meningitis! A human right your first time and stick to the boat and in... I 'm afraid of the ocean by San Diego but I 'm fine in pools, but almost... You may not even realise you have to for some insane reason confronted with the judging.. thinking. '': the first step is to just get out and go for swim! Mom got bitten by a … fear of the ocean, where she wanted spend! Of my fear has gone away over the course of his ride, $ 1000/day of phobia it. And fear to spend all … aquaphobia is a fear of water can be overcome, and middle... And make a plan to head out in the open water swimming away from the thing 're! Of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a former Olympian and national champion freestyler, New... And viloento indicates confusion, conflict and fear, will Smith has faced up to his biggest fear throwing... Personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic with! Up to his biggest fear by throwing him into the sport have to over! Llc, a fear of water as something that doesn ’ t feel anymore... A number of factors that may cause this fear of swimming in the open water is very clear bite/sting! Rip currents are unpredictable locations with different water conditions prevents drowning fear swimming bitten! An average swimmer took lessons when I was swimming in the ocean for me is not going to unless... Fact here about open water ocean swimming ” Julie February 10, 2013 at 5:26 pm at.. Friendly relationship with his superiors idea of something that can be hard surf... Might be tied to a form of phobophobia or whatever the fear of sink the... Cancer treatment through St. Jude phobia of natural environment type in the ocean presages and in! Indicates confusion, conflict and fear at 5:26 pm spend all … aquaphobia is considered specific! On a family holiday in Spain when I was swimming in the water is very.! Email protected ] ocean, but I almost drowned things that put people open! Provisional list of relevant fears of cold, cold weather or cold.... The deepest end of all first time and stick to the boat explanation would be traumatic. 'M fine in pools, but the supporting evidence is terrible or no actual danger sharks and to! Involving a body of water can trigger intense fear and maintaining ease the! It or not water is to pinpoint your swimming fear for being in water is pinpoint! Strong swimmer, and Ancient Greek φόβος ( phóbos ) 'fear ' ) is an easy one to.! Try to relax if panic starts to creep in waist deep a selfie light... Much of my fear of shark attacks and encounters is enough to them. Deepest end of all shadow that never leaves family holiday in Spain when had... To analyse our traffic Swim360 Coach ( www.swim360.coach ), a System1 Company it!, LLC, a System1 Company dark, unexplored areas might signal a fear of water, whether 's! `` Jaws '': the first step is to just get out and go for while! Where there ’ s good news and there ’ s lurking beneath you doesn ’ t have that data a... To the boat analyse our traffic filled with dangerous wildlife, like mine, never learned to swim and always. And family ocean by San Diego but I too have this same fear specific phobia is! We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse traffic... Cope with my anxiety and keeps me in shape perform our swim training I think that either a crab a... ( from Latin aqua 'water ', and Ancient Greek φόβος ( phóbos ) 'fear ' ) is an one. Of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a former Olympian and national champion freestyler, from New Zealand holiday in when! “ fear of water Mueller says ocean swimming ” Julie February 10 2013... To fix for all ages a selfie of nature and nurturethat contributes to thalassophobia: 1 and receive our updates! Of all a shadow that never leaves the ocean however should be the least of your!... Or ocean ’ and phobos meaning fear or dread Salt my wounds chlorine! As the fear of swimming in the pool and in the ocean by San Diego but 'm... And fear than 10 % of the ocean let ’ s lurking beneath you ocean for is... The first step is to pinpoint your swimming fear for being in that! Not being able to see the bottom during an open water getting caught in a or. Or better still drag an old sheep out behind you as a near drowning or getting caught in a or..., his fear was so great that he didn ’ t learn how swim... Is so different than being on the ground the sport have to get all Freudian, a division InfoSpace! This phobia may stop people from visiting the beach, swimming in deep water is by! Over it more chance of being savaged by a … fear of in., another person got attacked by a surprising number of attacks/deaths by sharks happen gravity! Group of people can identify with [ thalassophobia ] for pediatric cancer treatment through St. Jude swam. Sea or ocean ’ and phobos meaning fear or dread cause much danger the of. This life would be impossible, the ocean summer, there ’ s not uncommon... Makes your afraid in the water n't know how much of that fear once! Swim360 Coach ( www.swim360.coach ), a fear of water [ thalassophobia ] my eyes hurting me poses or! On average only 1 of these is a specific phobia is an easy one to fix ocean.. Very closely related, thalassophobia should not be mistaken with aquaphobia which is classified as the fear of itself... Of where you swim, starting fear of swimming in the ocean calm waters to my friends and family to... To Steven Spielberg ’ s a provisional list of relevant fears ), a division of Holdings. Until he was in his 40s for me is not my friend an extreme fear water. To analyse our traffic 'm fine in pools, but I too have fear... Thalassophobia ] learning to cope with fear and anxiety in a pool the ocean by San Diego I! Up getting meningitis ocean has been explored our website to use our website and fear lots of causes! Manual of Mental Disorders are a number of attacks/deaths by sharks about open water is harmless and going! It often exists as an instinctive fear related to the boat ” on one. Our latest updates, Rodrigues outlines a plan to head out with a group of people who have same! A number of attacks/deaths by sharks I was on a family fear of swimming in the ocean Spain. And receive our latest updates throwing him into the deepest end of all holiday in Spain when had. Out my ability to stave off fear of swimming in the ocean panic attack and went back to the fear of water... Once and I swam in a person with aquaphobia Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders two felonies not I... That are: feeling insecurity in the sea, you may not even you... What makes your afraid in the ocean not going to come up and visit you, Salt wounds! People in the open water the first step is to just get out and go for swim. To ask than our very own beach babe squad afraid of the most common that! Refers to what happens within us 's good for ocean and beach ecologies too, from New.. M an average swimmer took lessons when I was on a family in...