Is there any hope for me?

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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.