Update April 2008: When you are finished reading the article below about my first attempt at open water swimming, check out this related entry about that feeling of panic in open water!
I drove my daughters to the beach for a day trip this week. We had a great day and I now have a terrible sunburn. :redface:
I brought my swim cap and googles, and tried open water swimming. My first two attempts went like this: I swam out beyond the breakers and started swimming parallel to shore. I was afraid because it felt too far away from safety. And, looking down into the murkey waters, I kept thinking about sharks. So, I gave up.
Then I decided I really had to get in a swim workout to burn off those brownies I ate. So, I walked about 100 yards downshore (downwind), and went into the water. This time I went between the two breakers and started swimming upwind. It was choppy and I was swimming against a current, so it was hard work. But, I wasn’t so far out that I was afraid of sharks. I practiced sighting by looking ahead at a tall building on the distant point, near the inlet. I occasionally got hit by a crashing wave, but it was actually a lot of fun! It took me 35 minutes to fight that current and end up back at our spot on the beach. At that point, I was dying of thirst, so went back to my towel and drank some water.
I felt like I did pretty well at my first attempt for an open swim. I’m not sure how to get rid of that fear of sharks! Even though I know it’s rare, shark attacks DO HAPPEN, so I am afraid.
I love the water but sharks I am terrified of
I am 12 and going to Florida on the march
break but I can’t swim in dark or murky
water because I can’t see the bottom I know
that sharks attack only three people a year
but I could be on of those people right I also
know dolphins protect people from sharks
but still what if there are no dolphins around
if you have any advice please help
i hate dark water and murky lakes. well…all lakes. for some reason what i imagine in lakes is a terrible, moss covered, green, reptilian, red eyed, mutant, monster. i have no problem with the ocean because IF something actually does attack me i know what it is. a shark. most likely.
i live near pigwon forge TN and we had some friends come in for a while. we went to the new Titanic museum/exhibition/whatever they want to call it and there’s a room in there that mimics the same conditions as it was when the Titanic sank, 28 degree water and darkness. So…i dipped my hand in the water and it was cold. Then my brother dipped his hand up to his forearm…so i had to best him. I dipped my hand in up to my elbow and my fingers didn’t touch the bottom of the pool they had and i immediately shuddered with fear and pulled my hand out with an actual gasp. that really embarrassed me in front of my little brother but what can you do? dark/murky water is the most terrifying thing on this planet. we are completely out of our element in crystal clear water.