Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise. Besides being enjoyable, it offers a good fitness workout with minimal impact on joints and feet. But some people are too afraid of the water to allow themselves to enjoy even a casual dip.

According to the Transpersonal Swimming Institute,

• 64% of adults in America – 128 million men and women - are afraid in deep water in the ocean and in lakes.
• 92 million are afraid in the deep end of a pool.
• 78 million are afraid to put their heads under water.

So, if you are afraid of water, you have a lot of company. Many conventional swimming classes do not address these fears. According to the Institute, the best way to overcome fear and learn to swim is to break the process down into smaller steps. The Institute offers lessons for people who share these fears at locations in Berkeley, Palm Springs, and Calistoga, CA; Albany, NY; Hot Springs, VA; Glenwood Springs, CO; and Hawaii. They also offer an instructional video available via their Web site at www.conquerfear.com.

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Source:  Transpersonal Swimming Institute. Do you know someone who is uncomfortable or afraid in deep water? Sept. 2001.