Fear is healed by feeling safe, taking small comfortable steps, and being in control all the time. It is prevented from healing by pushing and pressure.
The Learn to Swim industry focuses on teaching people to go from here to there. But that's not what saves lives. What saves lives is the ability to go from here to there AND the ability to rest in deep water. Every person needs to be peaceful in deep water going nowhere.
When people drown, they try to get to a destination and they can't: they lose their bearings, run out of air, swallow water or get a cramp. They get tired. Inhale under water. Water enters their nose. They think they'll sink. They panic. They freeze.
It doesn't matter if they learned a stroke. They can't use it.
Most swimming lessons don't teach people to be still in deep water. Inadequate swimming lessons are the bain of adult non-swimmers and fearful swimmers.
If people can peacefully rest in water over their heads, the situations above don't happen-or they're manageable because people are in control. Being in control is safer than being out of control.
Resting in deep water, they say, "I can swim!" They're safe. And they can swim, whether or not they use formal strokes.
You as an afraid-in-deep-water adult can enjoy learning and becoming the swimmer you're born to be: free in pools and open water. Every single point and conversation, thought exercise and experiment you need to be successful is explained in the book in proper order.
Say goodbye to shame: there's no silly reason that anyone is afraid.
"...The book is amazing. I am so grateful I found it because it speaks to the heart of me. I am taking swim lessons at the local rec center and while they are terrific for what they are, they are exactly as you describe. Without your book and video, I would not have the courage and confidence to speak up and tell the instructors what I need. To their credit, they listen! They help me and I think I am helping them by being the student I've become thanks to your enlightening me.--Gratefully, PW
Feel safe 100% of the time.
Strokes are irrelevant to overcoming fear and are not included.
BookLife Prize - 2022 by Publishers Weekly
"This book will help readers of all ages who want to learn to swim. The step-by-step approach is clear and easily accessible and can be practiced in just a few sessions as readers find themselves less fearful in deeper water. Melon breaks down the subject with multiple solutions, yet manages to not overwhelm the learner.
In this well-executed text, with a step-by-step approach to not only overcoming a fear of water but also learning to swim in spite of it, Melon's perspective and real-life comparisons make it easy to understand her lessons.
For anyone who thought it wasn't possible to learn to swim from a book, this book will prove that theory wrong. The advice given is relatable and will ring true with anyone who has ever doubted themselves in the water.
Melon's process is simple and nicely conveyed. She has patiently included and addressed any problem or excuse that might arise in such situations. Her methods are practical and logical, and go hand in hand with the games and practice methods that she recommends. Melon has eliminated confusion by breaking the process down into specific activities and solid advice.
Miracle Swimming School for Adults founder Melon Dash's work has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, NBC's Today Show, CNN's Headline News, CNN.com Opinion, Psychology Today, Real Simple, Elle, San Francisco Chronicle, Tampa Bay Times, Sarasota Herald Tribune, and dozens more.
