Is there any hope for me?

I’ve only just seen your post so sorry for my late reply.
I just want to endorse the comment made by someone earlier about hypnosis.
I had a phobia about flying which I overcame after a course of hypnotherapy sessions. I’m not sure that it’s always appropriate or successful for everyone and in all circumstances, but it’s worth a try.
Good luck and I wish you all the best.

Go for it. If children can learn to swim you can. The thought of that visit/swimming pool is just the encouragement you need. Good luck.

That’s great ?. Do let us know how you get on. Good luck ??

Fantastic!
Be brave. And proud for "having a go". Good luck!

I expect you've already had a chat with them about it but if not, suggest you phone the instructor ahead of time so they properly understand your hopes and fears.

Thanks, everyone for your kind replies, experiences, and good wishes.
I have been going to aqua-aerobics for a couple of months, to build up my new hip. It’s held in the smaller, shallower pool, but I always stay by the side! Phobias are strange things. I have happily abseiled down cliffs, handled large snakes, and am not bothered by any creepy-crawlies, including wasps, even thoughI was once attacked by a swarm after walking into their nest. My 6ft tall GS is reduced to a quivering jelly by the sight of a spider!
You have all been so encouraging that I have taken the plunge, (not literally) and booked three one-to-one lessons for next week. They only had three available, but it should be enough to show me if it’s worth continuing, or not. My knees are knocking already!
I don’t think that I would have the stamina to do an intensive course, and I can’t see me swimming the Channel. You certainly won’t see me going into the ocean in Oz, either. Not even for a paddle.There are far too many nasties in it!
Wish me luck for my lessons. I hope I don’t make a fool of myself by clinging to the side and begging for mercy! If I do, I may “mistakenly” wander into the mens’ changing room, just to cheer myself up, Juliet27.
I will let you all know how I get on, if I survive the experience!

NLP can deal with the phobia very quickly so your lessons will be more productive. Be sure to look for a qualified NLP practitioner.

I did have a terrible water phobia. Insisted children all had lessons as didn't want them to miss out on such a pleasure and safety activity. Was coming up for golden anniversary and opportunity to have Caribbean holiday in very upmarket resort. Went to local swimming pool who took me on in a group of older non swimmers. Had a fantastic time, we all supported one another when the "fears" set in. Achieved two lengths cert within 6 weeks. Go for it, be strict with yourself, keep saying millions can do this, so can I. You will succeed.

Never too old. Book your 1:1 you wont regret it. Awesome surprise for your family in Auz.

The pool I swim at in a health club is not more than chest deep all along. The local public pool is similar so I am never out of my depth. Would you still be scared if you know you can touch the bottom at any time? I think the suggestion about doing aqua gym to get used to the pool was a good one. They have that at my pool and some ladies never swim, just do that.

As children at (state) primary school we had large playing fields and we were fortunate to have an outdoor swimming pool. I took to swimming like a duck to water and love it still but my younger sister did not and still does not like being in the water.

I had one-to-one lessons with Swimming Without Stress swimmingwithoutstress.co.uk
They are amazing, I was so frightened of the water and within 3 lessons they had me gliding and standing in the pool. The aim is not to swim but to be comfortable in the water. It is an amazing liberation to be able to do this whatever your age. Good luck and I hope you enjoy your pool time.

GreenGran - yes, go for it. If you find a really good instructor he/she will be used to helping people like you. Let me know when you are swimming the channel!

Go for it stay at the shallow end you know you can touch the floor. Think how great it will be in Oz x

Someone I know learnt to swim on an intensive, residential (?) week's course.

Well done you Green Gran.
When I went to Australia I was persuaded to go into the sea
when we visited The Great Barrier Reef.
I am petrified of the sea.
I can just about swim.
I did have all sorts of inflatable things wrapped round me and four people who promised me they would make sure I was fine.
Would I do it again-no way but would I , in your position ,do what you plan to do ?The answer is a definite “yes”
There will be a shallow end to the pool where you will be able to put your feet onto the floor should you feel the need.
Good Luck and well done for even considering it.

I have never learnt to swim after being thrown in the deep end on my first swimming lesson in Junior School. It has never really bothered me until last summer on holiday when my 6 year old grandson slipped and feel into the pool on the holiday camp, he is a proficient swimmer but my natural reaction was to throw myself into the water to ‘save’ him. I didn’t know he could swim so well. He went under then resurfaced and swam towards the steps. I was rescued by a 15 year old school girl. The humiliation still burns today. My family thought the whole episode hysterical! lol!!!

This is something you want, so no you won't be wasting your money. A good teacher will help you to overcome the fears you have and then you'll be well on the way to a whole new lifestyle. Actually I'm not good in the water either so I should take my own advice and I think I will. So I expect the first thing to get used to would be how to put your head under water. Once you've mastered that the rest should be much more achievable than you/we thought. Its worth it and now I've talked myself into giving it a go as well. Good luck.

Greengran
Lots of hope! Every hope in the world! Please do it! My friend did, also with phobia, now loves to swim.
Good luck
lots of love ??‍♀️

Go for it. You're never too old and if you can afford it, why not? I'm not sure how you find a one to one teacher, at the swimming pool itself maybe? Or Google it. Good luck with it and maybe send us a pic when you manage it on your own or one with your DD in Australia

I am much the same as you, though happily no-one has drowned in my family, and losing your brother in that dreadful way must make your fear of water much greater than mine.

You need a teacher who specialises in teaching those who have a fear of water to swim. There are plenty who do and of course you need to tell her the whole sad story of why you are so scared of water.

I have conquered my fear to the extent of knowing that I can swim and enjoying doing so, if the baths aren't to crowded, or if I am in the sea with someone I can trust to help if I become scared again.

At the baths I usually have a word with one of the life savers on duty and explain and ask him or her to keep a bit of an eye on me. If it is one of the days when I am not too confident I stay either in the shallow end, where I know I can touch the bottom, or out at the side, where I can grab hold of the edge of the swimming bath if I loose confidence in my ability to stay afloat.

I am happier swimming on my back than my front. A friend who is a very good swimmer taught me how to quickly get onto my back and float while signalling for help. I have never needed to use it, but it really helps to know I can.

I have always been very afraid of water and in the past tended to panic. But living near the Adriatic Sea I made an effort. What made a huge difference was learning to float. I became an expert floater , achieved by relaxing muscles and letting go. After that swimming was easy. Just scoop water . I know floating is easier in the sea so I’m not sure how easy in a pool.

No brainer! Do it! Get yourself swimming lessons. I’m 72 and didn’t swim much mid-life. I now swim weekly to keep me supple (sort of), exercise muscles and the social side. Get on with it to keep what you have.

I've had some private lessons and it really boosted my confidence. It helps if it's one of the pools that doesn't get so deepen mime was an Inxependant club so try maybe so where private. She had an by just telling my to bob under the water holding onto the edges at the shallow end, and breath out through my nose. It was very strange at first but was so useful.

Greengran78 so sorry to hear about your brother, I feel it’s something you want to do so go for it, have a go take it slow you don’t know what you will achieve, good on you , I admire you greatly,

Why not try water aerobics for seniors first of all, have seen these and water is at most chest high, might get you used to being in a pool and then when you are feeling more confident in the water try the swimming lessons.