Practice deep breathing and relaxation exercises to help keep your body relaxed while in the water. Take some time to walk around in the water feeling the relaxation and soothing effects of the water.
Start floating in shallow water. It may be easier when you know that you can put your feet down and stand up.
Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small and accept that overcoming your fear is a process and a journey, rather than expecting to overcome your fear in one trip to the pool.
Take swimming lessons to learn the basics of swimming, floating and attention to safety in the water.
Start children in swimming lessons early.
Remember to never swim alone. Swimming alone is never a safe idea. Even if you are embarrassed about your fears and believe it would be easier to overcome your anxiety without anyone else present, it is important to have someone qualified and able to react in an emergency situation with you as you discover the joys of swimming and relaxing in the water.
Sources:
[1] "Definition of Fear of Water", Reviewed 2004, Oct 19, MedicineNet.com
[2] "Relationships; Mastering the Fear of Water, 1987, Aug 31, Olive Evans, The New York Times
"The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America", 2008, Author Unknown, National Institute of Mental Health
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