Aquaphobia facts for kids

Aquaphobia is the strong and often overwhelming fear of water. The name comes from the Latin word aqua for "water" and the Greek word phobos for "fear".

It's a type of specific phobia, which means it's an intense fear of something that isn't actually very dangerous in most situations. People with aquaphobia might be scared of deep water, like in a swimming pool or the ocean, or even just being near water.

Aquaphobia vs. Hydrophobia

You might have heard the word hydrophobia used to mean "fear of water." While "hydro" also comes from the Greek word for water, the term hydrophobia is now used in medicine to describe a specific symptom of a serious illness called rabies.

Because of this, scientists and doctors use the term aquaphobia to talk about the general fear of water as a phobia.

How Common Is a Fear of Water?

A fear of water is more common than you might think. A large study that looked at 22 different countries found that about 2.3% of people have a fear of still water. In the United States, that number is a bit higher at 4.3%.

Another study in Iceland suggested that almost one in fifty people there might have aquaphobia. Many people have some fear of water, even if it's not a full phobia. For example, surveys in America have shown that almost half of adults are afraid of the deep end of a pool, and even more are scared of deep, open water like lakes or oceans.

What Causes Aquaphobia?

No one is born with a phobia. They usually develop from a mix of a person's experiences and background. For aquaphobia, some common causes include:

• A scary past experience in or near water, like almost drowning.
• Having a parent who is also afraid of water and passed that fear on.
• A natural fear of drowning that becomes much stronger than usual.
• Never learning to be comfortable around water as a child.

Signs and Symptoms of Aquaphobia

When someone with aquaphobia is near water or even just thinks about it, they can have a very strong reaction. This is more than just feeling a little nervous. It can feel like a panic attack.

Physical Symptoms

• Fast heartbeat
• Shaking or trembling
• Sweating
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Shortness of breath or a choking feeling
• A tight feeling in the chest
• Nausea or an upset stomach

Emotional Symptoms

• An overwhelming feeling of panic or fear
• Feeling like you are losing control
• A strong need to get away from the water
• Knowing the fear is extreme, but not being able to control it

Getting Help for Aquaphobia

The good news is that people with aquaphobia can get help and overcome their fear. The goal of treatment is to help the person feel safe and in control around water. Some common types of therapy include:

• Exposure therapy: This is a gentle and slow process where a person is gradually introduced to water. They might start by just looking at pictures of water, then watching videos, then standing near a pool, and eventually, maybe putting their feet in. A therapist helps them every step of the way.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps people change their negative thoughts about water. A therapist helps them understand why they are scared and teaches them ways to cope with their fear.

With help from a professional, many people learn to manage their aquaphobia and can even enjoy activities like swimming.

See also

• List of phobias
• Thalassophobia – fear of the sea