HOW TO OVERCOME THE FEAR OF SWIMMING

OUR 10 TIPS - FOR MORE FUN & WATER SAFETY

Finally summer! Finally swimming time! Swimming in the lake, river or the sea is a natural part of the most beautiful time of the year for many of us. But what if the fear of swimming in open water is holding you back? The view into the black water, the knowledge of deep places where you can no longer stand, and the vastness of the ocean can be quite intimidating.

The fear of water can become a real phobia. It can severely limit us, as we cannot enjoy the wet element to the fullest. Paradoxical: the human body consists of about 70% water and yet water can cause serious panic.

Fear of water

Fear of water: the technical term for this is aquaphobia. The term is composed of the Latin word “aqua” (water) and the Greek word “phobos” (fear). The causes are diverse. The discomfort in the water can be a trauma that was often triggered in childhood. It is important to look for and analyze the source of anxiety: when did it first occur and why? Most of the time, fear focuses on the possibility of drowning in deep water. Was water inadvertently swallowed while swimming, which caused shortness of breath? Or did you see someone else who almost drowned? It is also possible that the fear of water was transmitted by the parents.

As different as the triggers are for fear of water, so diverse are the symptoms. Trembling, soft knees, tightness, heartbeat and panic attacks can be experienced.

Does this sound familiar to you or do you know someone suffering from fear of water? Or does even the mere reading of these lines cause you unease? Then we have good news for you: with the right preparation, some courage and patience you can manage to overcome your fear of open waters! And you can help others, too! However, everyone has to find their own way and their own pace to deal with the fear of swimming.

With our 10 tips, we want to show you how to overcome the fear of swimming. So you not only have more safety in the water but also MORE FUN!

10 tips for more safety in the water

We have put together 10 tips for more safety in the water for you. Follow these rules and prepare yourself for a great swimming experience.

1. What are your limits?
Only go into waters if you can swim safely and feel good. Never with a full or empty stomach. And do not overestimate your fitness. Slowly increase the duration of your stay in the water.

2. How you can improve your swimming technique
With training under the guidance of trained swimming instructors, you can quickly improve your swimming technique. The right technique will take away your uncertainty and give you confidence in your abilities.

You can find further tips to improve your technique on YouTube:

Learn perfect breaststroke: Click here

Perfect crawl learning: Click here

3. Do you know the waters well enough?
Inform yourself about peculiarities such as danger spots, currents, shipping, nature reserves or prohibitions.

4. Do not swim alone and inform your friends
Never go alone in the water and inform your companion about your fears and insecurities.

5. First swim near the shore, that gives you security
Before venturing into deep water, gain enough experience and gain confidence in areas where you can stand.

6. So you can keep a clear view
The water reflects the sun stronger than you think. Use a tinted swimming goggle to protect your eyes.

7. How can you orient yourself?
Landmarks like trees, towers, or flags can help you keep your orientation in the water.

8. The weather forecast
Inform yourself about weather, waves, currents, and wind forecasts. Avoid swimming during thunderstorms or strong currents.

9. An inflatable buoyancy gives you more security
With a Restube on your hip, you’ll always have extra buoyancy with you.

10. Have fun
Being in the water should be a pleasure. Trust your feelings, and if you feel discomfort, swim back to land!

Restube: a buoy relaxes you and brings safety

Restube means safety in the water. It is your back-up tool that relaxes you and makes you feel good in open waters. If it comes to a situation in which you want uplift, a pull on the trigger inflates the buoy in seconds. You will gain time to rest, take a break, and orient yourself in the water.

"Restube is a security product for everyone! Anyone who likes spending time at or in the water enjoys more safety and freedom through the small buoy. An overview of all products can be found here."

Christopher Fuhrhop

Founder & CEO of RESTUBE

We wish you a good time in the water!

Your RESTUBE team