Fears and aquaphobia

3.0 How can we better understand our aquatic fears?

3.0.1 Aquatic environment phobia

Fear of water is often the result of a bad past experience. And as the years go by, this fear becomes more and more established. In general, you know where it comes from, it didn't just appear, without any reason. But it's not permanent. It will take time and patience, but it is possible.

A phobia is irrational, so you need to take small steps to overcome your fear a little more each time. A step can take several sessions, there is no time requirement, each person goes at their own pace.

It's important to remember, though, that sometimes you have to push yourself a little. Things don't always happen by themselves, you have to try, you need to have the will to do the exercises. Being supported by someone you trust will also help you to surpass yourself.

3.1 Fear of filling

This fear exists at any age, even in an adult who knows how to swim (for example, by breaststroking with his head above water). To get rid of it, you'll have to prove that it's not true, and explanations won't be enough - you'll have to put it into practice.

You are convinced that water will enter your body through your various orifices (eyes, nose, mouth, ears), which must be closed and/or protected from contact with water at all costs. The orifices involved are the respiratory tract (nose and mouth), ears and eyes.

What behavioural clues could show us that you or your child have this fear?

If the respiratory tract is never underwater. There will always be a safety margin for the airways: they are always as far as possible from the surface of the water

And what about immersion?

The respiratory tract is then rapidly immersed up to the limit of the eyes, then emerges explosively.

As well as repeated cleaning after immersion, rubbing your face, nose and ears to remove the water.

When the airways start to become submerged, you close your eyes/crunch your face/pinch your nose.

There is also an inhalation blockage (no bubbles) and the mouth does not open, even slightly

3.1.1 Suggested exercises :

Make bubbles with your mouth in water. At first, it's a game for children, so even the most reluctant can be led to do it. What's more, you don't have to put your whole head under the water, just your lips

Fetch a ring from the bottom of the water. This exercise should first be done in a place with little water (around 75cm). The child should first be encouraged to bring their head closer to the surface of the water. Then gradually move the ring to where there's a bit more water (so that they can put their mouth in and then maybe their head).

Do the « crocodile » on the steps. This exercise goes back to the first one, making bubbles in the water and having your mouth under water. You have to move as if on all fours, but with your legs stretched out. You simply use your hands to move forward and you can even ask the child to clap his feet afterwards. As they move forward, ask them to put their mouth in the water and blow (like a crocodile). Animals are very meaningful to children and make it easier to work, so don't be afraid to use lots of them!

Putting the head under water. Once you've gone through the above steps, you can consider putting your head under water completely but involuntarily, meaning provoked by a situation. For example, while doing playground slide with the child in the water. If the child can't touch the bottom, catch up with him, but give him time to at least have his mouth under water when he arrives. Then, gradually, the whole head. You can also get him to jump into the water, first sitting down, with or without holding your hands, then standing up.

Pass under an obstacle. You can now attempt voluntary immersion. By passing under any obstacle; a water line, a pole, a frit, a hoop. The aim is for the child to put their head under the water of their own free will. Don't hesitate to raise the obstacle a little at first and gradually work your way up. The first few times, they may only put their mouth under the water.

All these exercises take time, repetition and, above all, progressiveness. There's often a click that happens, and you'll certainly be surprised when it does.

Support is very important! Every time you try something, every time you do an exercise, don't forget to congratulate! And if an exercise isn't a success, it's not a big deal, just move on to something easier, find a variation, and stay on a positive note. Don't forget that it should always be fun, so have fun!

3.2 Fear of submergence

This fear is the main one in children (but can obviously exist in adults). It involves a loss of balance (no ground support), giving the impression that the body is going to sink endlessly. You then refuse to leave situations where you are supported, and to experience situations where you are suspended (without any solid hold on the wall or the ground).

What behavioural indicators reveal that this fear is present?

There's the refusal to get into the water, the desire to stay away from deep places.

If there is entry into the water :

You never completely drop the solid supports (ladder, wall, line, possibly the pole)

You always stay high above the surface of the water; difficulty lowering your body underwater, even to your shoulders.

3.2.1 Suggested exercises :

When you have a foothold; walk in the water, shoulders underwater, then on your knees. Place your hands on a solid support (the wall or the ground) then try to lie back, relaxing your lower body. you can also practise kicking. If you feel comfortable, practise using a plank, a pull buoy or any other less stable support. Until you can try it without any support at all.

When you don't have foothold; first move with your hands to the wall, to the side, like a «crab» (new animal). You can also touch the wall with your feet. However, the aim is to move further and further away from the wall, little by little, so that only your hands are in contact. Try stretching out and flapping your feet on the surface. You can have fun keeping your hands as far apart as possible as you move, spinning around like a top toy (with one hand always on the wall). You can also do these exercises close to the wall, but with your hands on a board or a pull-buoy, which will be more unstable.

3.3 Fear of the unknown environment

This fear is due to the separation between the area of action (in the water, below the surface) and the area of vision (above the surface). It mainly affects children or adults who have not spent much time in the pool.

The explanation comes from the fact that you can't see where you're evolving, you don't dare venture into an environment from which you can't see (perceive) anything.

Water is not transparent to those who are in the water, with their heads just above the surface.

Note that the person assisting you is not aware of this difference, as he or she is above the surface of the water and can see the bottom (relatively) clearly.

What behavioural clues might suggest this fear?

Exploring the environment with as many parts of your body pressed against the wall as possible, feeling your way around with your hands and feet, or letting go of one support only when you catch another.

Also if you try to see the bottom / what's underneath you (lift yourself up to look underneath).

This fear disappears quickly during the first sessions, by exploring underwater, moving around even while walking, getting to know the pool

3.3.1 Suggested exercises:

Walk around the pool. First it is important to get to know the area, by walking around the pool, looking at how deep the pool is in different places (often written at the ladders).

Explore the environment. Don't hesitate to look at your feet when your head is above the water, realise that you can see through the water and that there is no « empty space » after the surface. Go underwater (using a ladder or a pole) and look around you.