From extreme fear of the water to overconfidence in swimming ability, I have heard it all.
What is the fear of water? Aquaphobia, as it is medically termed at its extreme, is a social phobia that is defined as the persistent, unwarranted and irrational fear of water. Many people experience these feeling of being uncomfortable in and around deep water, often due to childhood incidents. As we get older these fears grow and grow causing many to be terror-stricken at the thought of being near deep water.
As a swim instructor and lifeguard, I have heard countless times, “I want my children to learn to be comfortable in the water because my fear stems from a childhood trauma.” I am happy to see that these parents recognize that a fear of the water is not something they want to pass on to their children, but I also feel for those parents. Fear of water is so commonly associated with individuals who were not given the opportunity to learn safety in aquatic environments, whether this be a pool, river, lake or ocean.
Research shows that the second highest drowning rate is among 20-29 year-olds, and higher for men than women (Alberta Drowning Report, 2016 Edition). These are most often in situations where safety was 3-15m away and victims usually did not intend to go into the water (Swim to Survive, retrieved 22 August 2016)
One has to think that peer pressure potentially plays a role in the number of annual drownings for those aged 20-29. If your friends are all going out on a boat or floating away from the shore on a floaty toy, very few if any individuals are going to deny himself or herself the enjoyment of taking part. While I have heard time and time again from many people that they can swim, upon seeing their actual swimming ability, I know for a fact that they would be unable to save themselves. As a trainer, I believe that this is a life skill that should be learned by all.
To combat both these water related issue associated with the lack straight-forward water safety training, the Lifesaving Society developed the Swim to Survive® program. Swim to Survive® is not a swimming lesson, but a program designed to teach the minimum standard required to survive an unexpected fall into deep water.
MacEwan University Sport and Wellness Aquatics offers the Swim to Survive® program free to MacEwan students in 3-class segments. Swimmers learn how to orient themselves at the surface after an unexpected entry, to support oneself at the surface, and swim to safety. The skills can be completed with or without a life jacket. And once you’re comfortable in the water, you can take your swimming skills further with adult swimming lessons and other aquatic programming at MacEwan.
You can volunteer with us and help us teach our MacEwan students how to Swim to Survive! The Swim to Survive Champion is a volunteer who assists the aquatic department in delivering safe and fun Swim to Survive lessons for MacEwan students. Volunteering for this program is Co-Curricular Record Eligible!
Apply to volunteer now!
