Programs & Services  Dealing with the fear factors of open water
Given the factors that may make you feel anxious and/or even
panic during open water swimming, here are several strategies
that may prevent normal competitive stress from crossing the
line into a potentially dangerous panic attack.     1. Be aware
that feelings of anxiety are common and normal responses to open
water swimming. Even very accomplished and experienced pool
swimmers describe “freaking out” in their first several open
water practices or races.   2. Practice swimming in groups in
open water or pool situations. Swim closely together for parts
of the session, mimicking as much as possible what it would be
like to swim tightly against others so you can practice your
stroke, breathing, and mindset in a crowded, confined situation.
Take turns being the swimmer in the middle of a small group, in
which the outside swimmers box in the swimmer and make frequent
contact with the swimmer’s body. If you don’t have many
opportunities to swim in