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Afraid of water?

Start here, on the steps

Many people who come to us are afraid of water. You can begin on the steps and go only as far as feels right.

In a session

What really happens

  • You don’t need to know how to swim. The water is chest deep, and your feet can touch the floor.
  • Your face stays above the water the whole time.
  • You lead. Ask for more, less, slower, or a pause at any time.
  • You can stop whenever you want, for any reason.
My instructor worked with me, she was very patient with me and took a long time for me to let go of the sides.Santa H. · Flagstaff, once deathly afraid of water
Let go of the wall

The water confidence ladder

  • For Adults and children who are afraid of water
  • Time As many visits as it takes
  • Water Warm is best, 92–98°F
  1. Sit on the step. Feet in. Notice the warmth.
  2. Walk down the steps until the water reaches your knees.
  3. Waist deep. Walk along the wall with one hand on the edge.
  4. Lean back with support. A noodle under your arms, or a helper’s hand under your upper back. Your ears may go in, but your face stays up.
  5. Float with two noodles, one under your knees and one under your neck, one hand still on the wall.
  6. Let go of the wall for three breaths. Then hold on again. Notice what was holding you all along.

Fear is not the opposite of healing. It is often the doorway to it. Amal Lana

Stay on any step as long as you like. You can come back to a step on another day. There is no rush.

Safety. Stay where you can stand, with someone beside you. For children, a parent stays within arm’s reach.

All home practices
Keep going

Where to next

Start here

A First Float

Thirty minutes to feel how the water holds you.

See sessions For parents

With kids at the pool

Calm games, and the ladder for children.

See them From our founder

The girl who learned to cling

Amal Lana’s own story of fear in the water.

Read the story