Fear of Drowning

[xsbeech]

Ok, so it might seem really strange that I am going through scuba training when I have a fear of drowning...however so far I am feeling pretty good about my confined dives. The first day I was sooooo nervous but after my 3rd class I feel much more relaxed, UNTIL they told me about the floating and the laps I have to swim without any gear (can swim with snorkel and fins). I can physically swim, and float but it's getting over the psychological fears that I am having difficulty with...any suggestions on how I can remain calm and pass these 2 tests tomorrow. Also, should I opt for the fins and mask, or swim without them??
Thanks

 

[baltimoron]

there was a guy in my class who was very afraid of drowning. the problem was he didnt tell anybody so we lost a lot of time trying to figure out why he wouldnt get off the side! ("i am sorry, may i stay by the side?") so its all about communication. i am sure you will be a great scuba diver, but make sure to talk about your fears with your instructor so he know's your limits. it might take you longer to get all teh pool stuff down; this poor aquaphobic guy ended up skipping the OW dives and doing some more pool classes with another class..... dont push yourself too hard and be vocal and you should be fine.

 

[xsbeech]

my teacher is very aware - i made sure of that - i am very confident when i have all of my gear on and the blessed regulator - i can do everything under water - it's just when i am at the surface that i start to get nervous - doesn't make sense - but that's where i am at!
thanks

 

[ShakaZulu]

In order to drown, you will have to breathe water. That doesn't happen naturally. Unless some big dewd is keeping your head below the water (do you owe the mafia money?), you'll probably swim and struggle to keep your head above water. Just keep your kewl and you'll be fine. How did you do with the "removal of the mask" test???

 

[xsbeech]

not a problem at all - the mask thing was a piece of cake - it's just when i am at the surface without guaranteed air that makes me scared...

Thank God i paid off Fat Tony last week!

 

[PamJScuba]

Ok, so it might seem really strange that I am going through scuba training when I have a fear of drowning...however so far I am feeling pretty good about my confined dives. The first day I was sooooo nervous but after my 3rd class I feel much more relaxed, UNTIL they told me about the floating and the laps I have to swim without any gear (can swim with snorkel and fins). I can physically swim, and float but it's getting over the psychological fears that I am having difficulty with...any suggestions on how I can remain calm and pass these 2 tests tomorrow. Also, should I opt for the fins and mask, or swim without them??
Thanks

Go slow, relax and take the swim one lap at a time. Don't try to push yourself by going fast, thus causing you to tire more quickly.

Do you have one stroke that is easier to do than another? Do the stroke or combination of strokes that you are comfortable with using.

Remember! Relax. As long as you remain relaxed you should float and do fine. If you start to panic, roll onto your back and let your body float to the surface. A neat trick to help you float is to do a Synchronized Swim trick by using your hands by pointing with a slight bend towards the bottom of the pool at the wrists, then making slow lazy figure 8's simulaneously with both hands. You may find yourself moving slightly, but that is fine.

Are you able to go to a local pool with a friend? I would also do that and do some lazy laps but make sure to tell the lifeguard if your not a very accomplished swimmer.

Best of luck and let us know how it goes.

Pam

 

[baltimoron]

well i think the easiest way to do a surface swim for you would be to be on your back in a kind of sitting position and then frog kicking out... that will probably work for you. for the laps he might make you do, i dont know what to tell you. you dont have to be Micheal Phelps on the surface- keep that in mind.

i hope i am helping you out!!

 

[Buoyant1]

I did the back stroke on the way out and my "modified doggy paddle" on the way back (sort of a breast stroke type affair)

I can't swim, I'm a "treader"!

The hardest part about the 10 minute float was the lack of an adult beverage while doing it!

 

[xsbeech]

thanks Balti - i appreciate the advice

how is good 'ole B'more? I just moved from that area a few months ago...

 

[ShakaZulu]

not a problem at all - the mask thing was a piece of cake - it's just when i am at the surface without guaranteed air that makes me scared...

Thank God i paid off Fat Tony last week!

If you did that test without a problem, then the swimming thing will be a walk in the park. It's all in your head........just think of bananas and you'll be fine.