Community Chat

[beach-mom]

@On It - This is actually a photoshopped picture. 

I have always been around the ocean. And I was always a water baby. My mom was a champion swimmer who almost made the Olympic team. She made sure my late brother and I loved the water too, and we both did. We were both lifeguards, and I taught swimming. I was on a team. 

At the beach I would be out in the water as often as I could. I would watch my mom, sitting on a blanket on the sand, say, "I think I'll go take a dip." Then I would see her way out, swimming smoothly and strongly parallel to the shoreline. 

I first got tossed by a wave when I was about 10. I remember it well. We were at Jacksonville Beach. I got turned around and couldn't find the top. I remember being so scared, but I guess it didn't affect me much.

I loved to go out, tread water, and watch the dolphins. They seemed close enough to touch, but of course they weren't. The water is so smooth way out.

About 3 years ago I got tossed around again. This time I was in trouble. I was on my way out when a wave knocked me over. Another one was right on top and knocked me down again. DH was reading on the beach. Someone came and helped me out. The lifeguards were standing up watching. 

I realized then I wasn't going to be going out any longer. I still go in, but I stay very close to the shoreline. And I make sure someone younger goes with me! The beach also seems a lot different today. 

Our children both grew up there and swim in the ocean like I used to. DD was a lifeguard and swim instructor. DS is qualified, but never worked at the pool. 

DH's parents didn't like the water and didn't swim. Neither did he. After we married he became a "sort of" beach baby too! He took lessons!  

I have never been on a cruise. I don't know how I would feel if I were out where I couldn't see land. DD's one coworker goes on a cruise every year.  

ETA: I remember the summer Jaws came out. Not too many people in the water that summer, and a lot of false alarms.

I remember reading someone's quote, which I really like: "The sharks and I have an agreement. I stay out of their ocean; they'll stay off my land."    

[Tinkrbl44]

@On It 

I hope you learned to swim at some point.   While I stopped swimming in lakes years ago, I never turn down a chance to swim in a pool, where you can see everything.  

[Lilysmom1]

Interesting stories.  I grew up in a coastal community with many beaches in the Gulf of St Lawrence.  We took Red Cross swimming lessons as children and lived at the beach for summer vacations.   I am in Canada.

 While I was growing up, a shark was a rare sight.  With global warming and rising sea temperatures they are now much more common.  With tagging and telemetry, we can now trace shark activity and it is on the rise here in Nova Scotia.  We have one shark called "Hilton" who returns every year from the Carolinas.  He has lots of company lately.

I live on a lake now and swim for exercise most days of the week in summer.  In my senior years, this is a good choice.   It is a much calmer environment than the ocean .  I have always loved being near water and have been fortunate enough to have always lived here.

My career was oceans related.  I have no fear of water but have a respect for its power and volatile nature.

Interestingly enough, driving through mountains is what makes me nervous.  I always worry about landslides.

[qualitygal]

Can you go to your local YW and take some swimming lessons?  Remember how to float, and back paddle, etc.  Just get comfortable with being in water, and it won't terrify  you so much.  Make it a friend if you can.

[On It]

@beach-mom  Your post was fascinating. Thank you for sharing.

[On It]

@Tinkrbl44 I learned to swim at an early age. I swam in pools during my childhood. My fear is not of water. We have owned multiple boats and went to lakes frequently. I only go out on lakes where I can see the shoreline. 

My fear is the ocean. I did not mention I do not like the taste of fish or seafood. My husband enjoys them both and laughs that he was glad I do not like lobster. He finally found something expensive I don't want.

[On It]

@qualitygal I can swim and have known how since childhood. I enjoy fresh water activities. I simply do not trust the ocean. 

[cjm61]

I get it @On It . My husband constantly wants me to surf with him. Yikes, I have a fear of the ocean. Yes, I have "surfed" a couple times but told him there is no way I will go out in the big waves. Not because of the size of the waves so much but the fear of the deep water.

Once, many years ago, my husband was lost at sea on a tiny boat for 2 days. I can't even imagine being at sea especially all night long in the pitch black. A nightmare of the worst kind for sure. 

[BoopOMatic]

I also fear the ocean and I also fear whales, but the good news is, they can't come to me. I'd have to go to them and that's not going to happen.

[Catiele]

I have always loved the ocean. On Summer days we were always at the ocean. It gave my sons a love for the ocean. We all rode the waves together. Of course there were life guards. My middle son would always say one more wave.

I needed to get home and do showers and cook dinner.