Depth is something you either find enchanting or absolutely terrifying. While the allure of deep waters typically captivates scuba divers and snorkellers, understanding it can be beneficial for sailors as well. Almost all of us know someone who is not comfortable swimming where they don't know what lies beneath, or can't touch or see the bottom. Yet, this fear of deep water can be conquered.
If you're a sailing enthusiast, then you certainly get into situations on holiday where you swim around the boat and snorkel. Or maybe you even scuba dive, or simply need to cool off on the occasional hot sunny day. Sounds pleasant and appealing, but not for everyone. Many people are afraid of or feel uncomfortable swimming in the open sea. It's a fear of the unknown, a fear of the deep.
"Fear of water is quite common. While some deal with it by avoiding the water and going in up to their knees, others try to to sort it out it by taking a diving course," says Kristina Vacková, a diving instructor. "You might not even realize how many people who want to scuba dive have problems with swimming. In fact, this is one of the prerequisites for starting a basic Open Water Diver course. But fear of water can be overcome. You just need to be patient, take it slowly and never force anyone. Eliminating any phobia, especially of such a respected element as water, can be painstaking work."
Overcoming the fear of deep water will only enhance your sailing experience
Understanding the importance of swimming skills for sailing
Although it may not seem like it, swimming is an important part of sailing, just like any other water activity, whether you are sailing in a bay or on open water.
In a bay, swimming can be a great way to cool off and relax after a long day's sailing. The calm waters of the bay allow for a quick dip or even a longer swimming session. Many boaters also like to snorkel in the bays to explore the underwater world and observe the marine life.
In open water, swimming takes on a more serious role. If someone falls overboard, knowing how to swim is essential to their survival. Even experienced boaters should therefore always be prepared for emergencies and have a plan in place to rescue a person who has fallen overboard.
Swimming in open water also requires a greater level of skill and endurance than swimming in a bay. Currents and waves can be unpredictable and the water can be much colder. That's why professional sailboat crews often train together to build their swimming skills and improve their physical fitness so they are better prepared for any situation that may arise on the water.
With proper training and respect for the ocean, swimming can greatly enhance the sailing experience and help feel a deeper connection to the sea.
YACHTING.COM TIP: We have previously delved into the subject of swimming in our comprehensive guide — Essential tips for swimming in the sea.
Swimming is a great way to enhance the sailing experience and feel a deeper connection to the sea
Respect is the basic rule
One of the important aspects of swimming in bays and open water is respect for the marine environment — overall, from the perspective of our planet and on a personal level, acknowledging the sheer might of the water around us.
Sailors should always be mindful of their impact on the ocean and take care to do as little damage as possible to marine animals and their environment. This may include avoiding swimming in sensitive areas or using eco-friendly products when swimming or snorkelling.
At the same time, it's important to remember our relative insignificance in the face of the vast, powerful expanse of the ocean.
"Respecting an environment that is not our natural one is fundamental. From my own experience, the more experience I had as a diver, the more respect I felt for the waters. And ocean conservation is closely related to that. The beauty of the underwater is there for all to see, and you can see a lot of it while swimming or snorkelling if you are not sifting through trash. Also, when dealing with a phobia of the sea, finding clean and shallow waters is the best place to start. Even submerging your face underwater and taking your first peek can be key. If the beauty that's down there captivates you, then it's easier to go deeper," Kristina continues.
The underwater world hides incredible beauty
Where does a fear of deep water come from and can it be combated?
Fear of deep water, also known as thalassophobia, can have various origins, such as traumatic past experiences (near drowning or other negative experiences), cultural conditioning or even genetic predisposition. Dr. Patricia Farrell, a clinical psychologist, states that "some people have a deep fear of water because of the fear of the unknown, that it is out of their control and that they may not be able to see the bottom, which can cause anxiety".
Fear can be combated in several ways.
The first way is to learn to swim or improve your swimming skills and knowledge. Having the confidence to stay afloat and navigate the water can help reduce anxiety. It also helps to seek the support of a friend or family member who is a proficient swimmer and can provide encouragement and reassurance, and make you feel safe with them.
Check out our other articles on water safety:
The second option, which is more specific, can be psychological help. Exposure therapy consists of gradually exposing oneself to deeper and deeper water while practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. As Dr. Farrell states, "a cognitive-behavioral approach with exposure therapy is a very effective way to treat this fear. Gradual exposure to the water with a supportive therapist can help you learn to manage your anxiety and feel more in control." Scuba diving classes work similarly, but nothing should be rushed. Overcoming a fear of the deep can open up possibilities for new experiences and enjoyment of water-related activities.
Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing yourself to deeper and deeper water while practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
YACHTING.COM TIP: A scuba diving course can be a good help in eliminating the fear of water. It starts very gradually, from mastering simple exercises to gradually diving to a maximum depth of 18 metres (Open Water Diver). Gradually you become familiar with the environment around you, you trust yourself and your abilities and the beauty around you usually captivates you so much that you want to see more. The key is to choose an experienced instructor or dive school and be sure to confide your fears at the start. In this case, heroism would be rather detrimental.
Practical steps and expert guidance on how to overcome fear of the deep
You can do a lot of the work in overcoming your fear yourself. If we were to outline a simple guide, it would look something like this:
- Awareness: Realize that you have a fear of deep water, and try to understand what it stems from. This can help you address it more effectively.
- Start slowly: Start with shallow water and gradually work your way to greater depths. Start with an ankle-deep pool or shallow beach and slowly increase the depth to gain confidence
- Relaxation techniques: Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation or visualisation to help calm your nerves and reduce anxiety. This is how freedivers work. Meditation can also be incorporated.
- Learn to swim or enrol in a first aid course: Attend swimming lessons to learn proper swimming techniques and gain confidence in the water. Knowing how to swim will help you feel more comfortable and safe in deep water. It is also possible to enrol in a first aid course, which also works at diving schools.
- Start with someone and gradually: It is best to overcome the fear of the unknown with someone. At the same time, remember that you will be alone in the water afterwards. Gradually familiarize yourself with deeper water and move to deeper pools or beaches as you feel more comfortable in them. First with someone who makes you feel safe, then gradually alone.
- Face your fears: Motivate yourself to face your fears. For example, you can practice treading water or diving to the bottom of the pool.
- Seek professional help: If your fear of deep water is strong or interfering with your daily life, consider seeking professional help from a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders.
We can carry the fear of the deep with us from childhood. Overcoming it is a huge relief
Each person's journey to overcoming their fear of deep water is unique and can take different lengths of time. Be patient and kind to yourself throughout the process and celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. With practice and perseverance, you can learn to enjoy the water without fear.
"I sometimes tell my students that they can practice in the bathtub. They may not see coral and colourful fish there, but they can get used to being in a quiet, different environment, and still be safe. Then the next step is the pool. And then the pond or the sea. The ideal is to be a confident swimmer, then learn to snorkel and gradually dive... And then you're just driven to see more, " says Kristina, adding: "The most beautiful colours are in shallow waters where daylight can reach. With depth, the colours fade, but you see bigger fish. On the other hand, when swimming in the open sea, there is nothing to worry about when it comes to animals that may be in shallow water. All those fears of sharks, unknown creatures or attacks are 99% irrelevant. No normally behaving animal will ever attack you unprovoked."
YACHTING.COM TIP: If you want to get to know marine animals better, we have several articles for you. About overcoming your fear of sharks and whether you should be worried about sharks in the Mediterranean. Also you can find out what to do if you get stung by a jellyfish or first aid and safety when encountering poisonous fish. Plus, find out everything you need to know about the most dangerous creatures of Croatia and the dangerous inhabitants of the Greek seas.
Each person's journey to overcoming their fear of deep water is unique and can take different lengths of time. One of the ways to stop being afraid of the deep is by diving.
How to keep your hard-earned self-confidence and not succumb to fear again?
If you have overcome your fear of the deep, there are several things you can do to maintain your progress. Nothing is guaranteed forever, but everything can be trained.
You should definitely go for a swim every now and then, even in the pool. Regular exercise, relaxation and meditation can also help. Yoga is an excellent tool that can help you uncover more of the recesses of your mind. The important thing is to keep yourself comfortable and confident.
Experts in fear elimination advise that positive affirmations and talking to yourself can also help. You should definitely not be afraid to praise yourself and remind yourself of your progress. Focus on your strengths and achievements instead of dwelling on any setbacks or problems. Using visualization techniques, imagine yourself in deep water and feeling confident and in control.
YACHTING.COM TIP: Think ahead. If you're planning a yachting vacation, boat trip or beach vacation, for example, make a plan ahead of time for how you'll manage your fear of the deep. Take someone with you who knows about your fear and will support you. Plan your relaxation techniques before and whilst swimming in deep water. Surround yourself with people who support you, understand your fear and can encourage and reassure you. And educate yourself with the knowledge that you are not in any danger under normal circumstances.
...And is it possible to fall in love with deep water?
If you respect the water, are a good swimmer and have experience, you will probably even fall in love with deep water and swimming in it.
"Of course it is possible. Many people find the depths appealing and enjoy the feeling of freedom and weightlessness that swimming, and of course even more so scuba-diving, brings with it. For some people, the calm and tranquillity of deep water can also be appealing, giving them a sense of relaxation and release. The water world also has many specific sounds. And listening to them is wonderful. But the important thing is not to lose touch with reality and not to overestimate yourself," concludes diving instructor Kristina Vacková, who is herself a technical diver.
Sailing is a great opportunity to fall in love with the water, the deep and the underwater world.
Deep water is closely connected to sailing. Many sailing activities take place in deep water, in oceans, seas and large lakes. Being on the water and feeling the wind and waves can be exciting and liberating, but so can swimming and diving.
Overall, falling in love with deep water and swimming in it can be a wonderful experience. With patience, practice and support, it is possible to overcome a fear of deep water and enjoy the many benefits it brings.
Have you managed to overcome your fear of the deep? Then it's time to choose a boat and go! We are here to assist you.
