I was never taken to the baths, as a child, so never learned to swim. A friend persuaded me to go with her, in my early teens, and someone pushed me into the diving pool, which gave me a phobia about water. To make matters worse, my brother was drowned when I was 18.
I have taken two swimming courses at our local pool, some years ago, but such panic welled up every time I tried to follow instructions, that I got absolutely nowhere.
Now, at the age of 80, I am wondering if it is worth invested in some one-to-one lessons. They are quite expensive, and I would probably be wasting my money, but my DD in Australia has just bought a house with a swimming pool. I would love to amaze her by casually going for a swim, next time I visit.
Has anyone else overcome this phobia, at a fairly advanced age? Would I be wasting my time and money? I feel so stupid, not being able to swim. My head says, “Do this, and this, and you will swim just like everyone else.” My instincts say, “Keep your feet on the bottom, or you’ll drown!”
Is there any hope for me?