By Jodie Davis, STA’s Aquatic Development Officer/ Joanna Lay, IOA
Conquering a fear of water can be intimidating and difficult for anyone, no matter their age. It is often the biggest hurdle for those who want to learn how to swim or simply want to enjoy water time with their family on holiday but struggle to face their fear. It can often develop early in life or even later.
The causes of water fear vary. It might stem from a past traumatic event, or it could result from learned behaviours or misconceptions picked up from others.
But do not worry, overcoming this fear is possible through gradual exposure. STA has
partnered with the experts at Institute of Aquaphobia (IOA), and their ‘Angel’ Coaches
(renowned for their kindness and empathy) are trained to help individuals face their water
fears using a 12 stage plan.
With this being #InterNationalAquaphobiaDay, we have partnered with IOA to share how they get people to look at their ‘relationship with water’ – and change it for the better.
Many people do not know that Aquaphobia is actually real. They know they are scared of
water, but they don’t know why. We are approached by people who are motivated by a
personal goal – a target date, holiday – a water birth?
Facts and figures often shock us; these are no different.
Nearly thirteen million people in the UK cannot swim and are scared of water. Out of those –
3 million will not have a shower and/or a bath.
Thirteen million people. Twice the population of London
It is no accident that IOA founder – Mike Burman, developed this programme. He taught
swimming for years at his own swimming school. He knew the methods worked – he just
needed to know why.
Fast forward a few years – science proved why and how it worked. So now, when people
contact the IOA or one of its Aquaphobia coaches they are greeted by ‘Its ok, we understand
– we can help you.’
- Creating a Positive experience
From the outset, clients are treated as individuals; gently and empathically. The first
lesson takes the form of an interview away from the pool. They are listened to, and a
lesson plan is formed for that person, taking into account their own back story and history with water.
During this interview, the participant is asked a series of questions about their relationship with water, called their Personal Ability Range (P.A.R) The results allow us to prepare individual lesson plans, identify their most pronounced fears about the journey ahead, also how much support they will need in the water, for example a 121 lesson or a small group lesson.
There are twelve steps to the programme. For some getting into the pool itself is their start point. For others however – the thoughts, the ‘triggers’ for their phobia will start at packing their swim kit. Their journey – is now beginning - Understanding the water
This gentle approach shows and explains what the water is doing and why. They are taught how to ‘feel’ where the water contacts their body and learn about water pressure. The programme is inclusive as children will go through the same programme – but the words used are changed as appropriate.
This helps set the stage for a calm and reassuring experience. - Start Small – Get Your Feet Wet
Initially, the Angel Coaches will take gradual steps to help participants feel comfortable.
They might start participants off by sitting on the poolside with their feet in the water. This allows the person to acclimatise to the sensation without feeling overwhelmed. When they are ready, and only when they are ready, will they encourage participants to slowly lower themselves into the water, allowing their body to feel supported by the water. - Understand the Water’s Role
As swimming teaching professionals, we know that if you understand the water and how your body moves within it, can ease some of the fear. The highly trained Angel Coaches will explain basic concepts like water currents, how and why they are affected by other people in the water. The most important thing is to know how to stand up safely in the water. All these steps take time and practise, reenforcing that the individual client controls the whole programmes pace. - Gain Confidence Gradually
Throughout the learning process, the IOA Angels ensure participants are always
supported; by the coaches and as they progress, by a variety of buoyancy aids. As
confidence builds, simple exercises will be introduced, like walking in the water,
splashing hands, and getting a participant’s face wet. Eventually, moving on to putting
their face fully into the water, with breathing exercises to help them stay calm. - Practice Floating, Sculling, and Kicking
As participants grow more comfortable, the IOA Angels will introduce floating and
sculling (moving through the water with small hand movements). At this stage, many new swimmers feel a sense of achievement as they realise how far they have come. They will receive support while practicing floating techniques and gently kicking in the water, progressing participants to do the same movements – unaided. These movements lay the foundation for swimming strokes and becoming confident in the water.
The journey to overcoming a person’s fear of water is gradual – it is a marathon not a sprint –
but with patience, practice, and support, participants can soon find themselves more at ease
in the water than ever before. Every step forward is progress, and the IOA Angels are there
guiding every step of the way.
Everyone’s experience with fear is unique, and each person’s journey in the water is personal.
That is why IOA encourage anyone working to overcome their fear to take things at their own
pace. Overcoming fear is a significant achievement, and with time and patience, the long-term rewards will make it all worth it!
For Swimming Teachers
If you are a professional swimming teacher and would like to train to become an IOA Coach,
and be involved in these rewarding journeys, take a look at our the IOA’s online learning
programmes via https://www.safetytrainingawards.co.uk/online-learning/waterphobiaprogrammes/
These learning programmes, endorsed by STA, give swimming teachers the opportunity to
develop a much deeper understanding of water phobia so you can help your participants to
relax, float and feel happy in the water. You can proudly state you are ‘inclusively’ helping
people change their relationship with water.
