If someone is aqua phobic, they have an abnormal fear of the water, or at least, the inability to breathe underwater. There are many people who are able to swim, but who are afraid to put their heads under the water and, therefore, swim with it above the water at all times. Some people with aqua phobia avoid swimming in deep water, even when able to swim competently. In extreme cases, the fear includes unexpectedly being splashed, particularly on the head or face. 

Causes of aqua phobia, include, although not exclusively: An instinctive fear related to the fear of drowning; Fear of the unknown, of what might be lurking below the water surface in deep, cloudy or muddy waters; It may be related to a bad experience that occurred in childhood or it may have been transmitted to a child by parents that were themselves afraid of water; It is also possible that it may have been ingrained by swim teachers that used inadequate and/or stressful methods to teach swimming. 

In order to facilitate someone with aqua phobia to overcome their fears, a psychological approach must be taken. The individual must feel understood and not made to feel inferior due to their fears. For this reason, it can be extremely difficult for someone with aqua phobia to take traditional swimming lessons, as the focus is often on the technical and physical skills needed in order to swim. Unless the psychological issues are gently addresses, the likelihood of success is very limited. 

Pool Requirements: 

The environment for teaching swimming to someone with aqua phobia must be a therapeutic one, as the swimmer must feel as comfortable and safe as possible. That is to say, it should be a pleasant environment and the pool itself must not be too cold, too deep to stand up in, too big or have spectators. Lessons should take place individually or in very small groups of no more than 3 people, of a similar level. The swim teacher should be in reach at all times, at least initially, to support the development of confidence, required to overcome the fears. 

Instructors: 

It is crucial that instructors are not only fully qualified swimming instructors but also hold a specialist certificate and / or psychological or therapeutic qualification, as a therapeutic approach must be adopted to ensure success.