Review of The Aquaphobia - The Fear of Water

Aquaphobia can stem from a traumatic or negative experience, not learning to swim, or can be inherited from one’s parents. Whatever the cause, all aquaphobics have one thing in common- they avoid being in or around a substance that covers 71% of the planet. Phobias can be explained through three different categories: what they are, how they are caused, and how they can be treated.

Aquaphobia is a common fear and is usually seen in children that haven’t learned to swim. Most aquaphobics are under 18 and their fear is attributed to swimming. However, some are adults that have an irrational phobia or never faced their fear. The symptoms can vary from person to person, but most share similar traits. A good amount of minor aquaphobics are afraid of deep water or entering water; this can lead to ablutophobia, thalassophobia, or galeophobia. In rare cases, a person might be afraid to go near any water, no matter the size. It differs from hydrophobia because hydrophobia is the medical name for a symptom of rabies. Aquaphobia can have a large impact on people’s everyday lives and swimming activities.

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the fear of water usually develops at an early age, but it is uncommon that people keep the fear after learning to swim. As with most phobias, it can stem from a negative experience in water, such as being pushed into a pool. Even though some people have a rational reason to fear it, most don’t. In the book Phobiapedia the text states, “Aquaphobia can result from being splashed or pushed into the water.” It is often an inherited phobia, too; children can learn the fear from people they observe. This makes aquaphobia extremely common, especially in people who don’t have experience with water.

Despite being so common, aquaphobia can be cured. One of the fastest ways to treat a phobia is through exposure therapy. A sufferer might start by dipping their feet in a pool, and progress by taking swimming lessons. Slowly introducing yourself to the fear can help eliminate it. Often, it is stopped at an early age through swim lessons and experience. In more drastic cases, an easier treatment can be to immediately introduce someone to water. Aquaphobia can be cured in multiple ways, and if treated well enough, it can be completely diminished.

In summary, aquaphobics can interpret their fear in many different ways. However they all fall under one definition. With beaches overcrowding and more homes being built inland, this common phobia is on the rise. New methods and programs are being developed to help decrease the number of aquaphobics. 

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