I did it! I attended all eight swim classes for adults, at our local pool center, and I wasn't alone with my fears. But, from being about ten, we were only two at the last class. Perseverance, has always been my middle name! However, did I learn how to swim? No...
I did learn to match my armstrokes with my legstrokes, in a nice rhythm. I learned how to relax and float both on my belly and on my back, at least with holding on to the rail. I dared to jump into the pool from sitting, which however I think has more to do with my fear of hurting my knee again, then the water (I don't jump on dry land either.). And of course, to fully dip myself. I also tried wearing a lifejacket and be pulled in from the shallow part. This was especially concerning, since it reminded me of when I almost drowned as a little girl. I was told by the teachers, that they never jump in for a rescue, only throw out a life buoy with a line and that we should never ask for the fire department when calling 112. I got so appalled by that, that I had to contact them afterwards (Obviously, since my grandfather was a fire chief and actually threw my Dad into a pool, although with armhook, to force him to learn how to swim, I know this couldn't be completely true, at least I was hoping.). They kindly replied and said of course to call for them, in case of unconscious people or at least for me most concerning, a child in distress.
When I was an exchange student in Ticonderoga, NY 1988-89, one of the first guys I got to know, was a lifeguard at our local little beach in Putnam, by Lake George, called Brad. Would he never jump in? Of course, he would. Like all Americans. Sweden is verrückt.
I did learn more about my fear, and that it's all about being able to get up, and practiced a technique for that.
To be continued.
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