It might come as a surprise to water-lovers, but two-thirds of U.S. adults are afraid of swimming in deep water like lakes and oceans. Almost half are afraid of even deep water in swimming pools. Even those with some swimming skills, including being able to tread water or do the front crawl, still struggle with fears and phobias related to deep water. Many fear becoming overwhelmed in the water and being unable to stay afloat if their feet can’t touch bottom.
These fears can be overcome by developing comfort and control in the water. It is about learning confidence while afloat, and being able to keep a calm head in situations when fear or panic might set in. It is important, in general, to be able to stay calm in crisis situations, but many people struggle to do so when automatic responses to stress and fear kick in.
Orca Swim School redefines swimming and water safety and the ways in which these skills are taught, especially to those with deep-seated fears that might have lasted a lifetime. Founded in 1999 by Cori and Bruce Myka, Orca Swim School specifically addresses fear in the water for adults and teens.
Founder Cori began teaching swimming at the age of 14 and uses the Miracle Swimming™ method. “We define swimming as being able to move in water from here to there with comfort and ease, getting air and rest when you want,” Cori explains.
Think of Orca Swim School’s classes as therapy for water phobias, as well as classes for developing a sense of comfort and safety in the water. Fear of water deters many people from enjoying their life to the fullest, even avoiding vacation spots that they might otherwise love to visit or skipping time at the pool with their kids.
One former student said, “Since our lessons, we have taken our kids to local pools and also to the pool while on vacation and each time, we had a total blast. We were able to play, go diving for things, play catch, do handstands, and just overall be relaxed and have fun. We just kept looking at each other and saying, ‘this is amazing’.”
Cori and her team address the root causes of swimming discomfort by engaging students in a process that goes beyond the basics of strokes and lap swimming. “Learning to swim needs to start with feeling and being safe, learning by curiosity, understanding how water works, and how your body and water work together,” says Cori.
With classes available in Seattle, Bothell and Bellevue, Orca Swim School offers a new understanding of water safety and healing experiences for those with fears and phobias related to water.
There is a whole world of wonder and delight out there that can be enjoyed to its fullest by increasing your confidence in the water. So get your feet wet with Orca Swim School and you could be swimming, snorkeling, and even scuba diving by summer.
Orca Swim School Classes can be found on Connect2Classes.com.
